The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for editing his speech in the Panorama program in October 2024, reports LETA citing PA and DPA.
The BBC stated that it was a "judgment error" and that the program "will no longer be broadcast in its current form on any of the BBC's platforms."
According to the BBC, its director Samir Shah sent a personal letter of apology to the White House for editing the speech.
"Although the BBC sincerely regrets how the video clip was edited, we categorically disagree that there are grounds for accusations of defamation," the corporation added.
This week, Trump stated that he "has to" sue the BBC for editing his statements. However, he has not yet indicated whether he actually intends to do so.
The editing of the presidential speech created the impression that Trump was directly calling for violence shortly before his supporters attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The original version of the speech did not contain such a call.
On Monday, the BBC apologized for editing Trump's speech. This also led to the resignation of BBC Director General Tim Davie and the head of the BBC News division, Deborah Turness.
Trump's lawyers threatened on Monday to file a lawsuit against the BBC, demanding compensation of one billion dollars, according to a letter obtained by AFP.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump was asked if he plans to sue the BBC. Trump replied that he probably should do so. "I believe I have to do it," Trump stated, but did not confirm whether he has initiated official legal proceedings against the BBC for defamation. "They misled the public, and they admitted it," he added.
