The BBC is reportedly preparing to issue a direct apology to former U.S. President Donald Trump after he threatened to sue the broadcaster for $1 billion, accusing it of distorting one of his speeches.
According to The Times, BBC lawyers are currently drafting the formal apology after the controversy led to the dramatic resignations of Director-General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness on Sunday. Both stepped down amid criticism that the corporation had misled viewers in its coverage.
Trump publicly praised Davie following his resignation, calling him “very honest” and lamenting the editing of what he described as his “very good (perfect!) speech.”
The situation has intensified as Trump’s legal team, led by Florida-based attorney Alejandro Brito, set a deadline for the BBC to apologize, retract the broadcast, and compensate Trump for alleged “financial and reputational harm.” Brito’s letter, addressed to BBC Chairman Samir Shah, warned that failure to comply would leave the former president “no alternative but to enforce his legal rights,” including a lawsuit seeking damages of “no less than $1,000,000,000.”
The letter accused the BBC of broadcasting “fabricated statements” that were widely shared online, allegedly causing extensive global damage to Trump’s reputation. “The BBC is on notice,” Brito wrote, emphasizing that all legal options remain open.
BBC executives, while addressing staff earlier this week, declined to comment on the specific Panorama broadcast at the center of the dispute, citing legal restrictions. The corporation has stated only that it will “review the letter and respond directly in due course.”
The episode unfolds amid internal divisions at the BBC. Insiders describe growing tensions between senior news staff and the board, with Today programme presenter Nick Robinson accusing governors of being in a state of “paralysis.”
Political reactions have been polarized. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the broadcaster, with his spokesman insisting the BBC is not “institutionally biased.” In contrast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed Trump is “absolutely enraged,” accusing the BBC of “election interference.” Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt escalated the rhetoric, labeling the corporation a “Leftist propaganda machine.”
The incident represents a significant moment for the BBC, which faces both legal and reputational risks internationally. The case also underscores how media organizations are increasingly vulnerable to legal and political challenges over perceived bias and editorial judgment in the digital age.
