In a leaked memo, Michael Prescott accuses the BBC of manipulating a speech by Donald Trump to falsely suggest he incited the Capitol Hill riots during a Panorama episode.
Michael Prescott, who served as an independent external adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC) for three years before stepping down in June, sent a critical internal report to the BBC Board last month. He stated that his warnings to the standards watchdog were repeatedly ignored or dismissed.
In the memo, Prescott explains how the BBC "doctored" Trump’s speech to create the impression that he encouraged the Capitol riots.
The distorted clip aired in October 2024, misleading viewers by showing Trump saying he would walk to the Capitol to "fight like hell" alongside supporters. In reality, Trump said he would walk with them "to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, condemned the clip, calling it "100 per cent fake news."
Amid heightened international scrutiny, calls for accountability have intensified directed at BBC leaders Tim Davie and Deborah Turness.
Karoline Leavitt: "100 per cent fake news"
Author’s summary: The leaked memo exposes serious accusations that the BBC manipulated Trump’s speech to falsely portray him as inciting violence, prompting strong denials from the White House and pressure on BBC leadership.