The BBC has refused former U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for $1 billion in compensation despite issuing a partial apology this week for a controversial 2021 documentary edit. The broadcaster confirmed on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that the disputed Panorama episode about the January 6 Capitol events will no longer air.
A BBC spokesperson stated: "While we regret the editorial approach taken in stitching speech segments, there's no legal basis for defamation claims." This follows a November 9 legal letter from Trump's team demanding retraction, apology, and compensation by November 14.
The 2021 program faced criticism for splicing Trump's speech to suggest he directly incited the Capitol riot. Legal experts note this dispute revives debates about media responsibility regarding historical political coverage.
