The BBC apologized to President Donald Trump on Thursday after admitting it improperly edited a key portion of his January 6, 2021, speech in a documentary, according to CNN.
Trump had threatened a $1 billion lawsuit, calling the edit defamatory and harmful.
BBC says sorry to Donald Trump for Panorama edit of speech, but rejects his demand for compensation https://t.co/D3Brj9vraf
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 13, 2025
In a letter to the White House, BBC Chair Samir Shah said the broadcaster was “sorry” for the mistake but rejected any claim of defamation, noting the documentary did not air in the United States and that the shortened clip was not intended to mislead.
The fallout has triggered one of the BBC’s worst crises in years, leading to the resignations of its director-general and head of news.
Big picture: At least half a dozen major media companies have stared down legal threats from President Trump this year. Some have chosen to fight, others have opted to fold. The BBC is signaling that it will fight. pic.twitter.com/PVHnfkPMCP
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 14, 2025
Britain’s culture secretary said the broadcaster was right to apologize for “serious mistakes” while affirming the BBC remains widely trusted.
Trump maintains the edit distorted his “calming” speech by making it sound radical. His legal team has not yet responded to the apology.
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