US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1bn (£800m) over a Panorama documentary that edited his January 6 speech, accusing the corporation of defamation. In a letter from his lawyers, Trump demands the BBC make amends by Friday or face legal action. The BBC said it is reviewing the letter.
The controversy comes after BBC chair Samir Shah apologised for the edit, which he described as an 'error of judgment' that gave 'the impression of a direct call for violent action'. Shah's apology followed the resignations of director general Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness, who had faced pressure over claims of systemic bias.
Turness defended the BBC's journalism, stating: 'Our journalists aren't corrupt. Our journalists are hard-working people who strive for impartiality.' Downing Street also backed the BBC, saying it plays a vital role in the age of disinformation, while the Conservatives and Reform UK accused it of bias.
Internal sources told the Guardian that Robbie Gibb, a BBC board member and former Conservative aide, 'led the charge' in pressing leadership over bias claims regarding Trump, Gaza, and transgender rights. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for Gibb's removal from the board.
The BBC has announced a pan-BBC meeting to address the fallout, as the corporation faces scrutiny over its editorial standards and political independence.
