News Briefing – Diana betrayed, BBC covered up Martin Bashir lies

An investigation into the famous Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana has published its findings.

The inquiry into the 1995 interview has found the BBC covered up the “deceitful” tactics journalist Bashir used to secure an interview with the late Princess of Wales.

Lord Dyson, who led the inquiry, said the BBC “fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark.”

The BBC acknowledged the findings of the inquiry and said it showed “clear failings” and: “We are very sorry for this.”

The report says Mr Bashir deceived Diana’s brother – Earl Spencer- by showing him fake documents to gain his trust so he would introduce the journalist to his sister.

The report added journalist Bashir had lied when he told BBC managers he had not shown the fake documents to anyone, and described parts of Bashir’s account of the events of 1995 as “incredible, unreliable, and in some cases dishonest.”

KEY POINTS

Diana inquiry concludes Bashir used ‘inappropriate’ methods to secure Diana interview.
Martin Bashir falsified documents.
BBC covered up Bashir’s lies.
Martin Bashir has ruined his reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the country
The interview impacted Lady Diana’s mental health and thus her death in Paris.

Bashir apologies but still proud

Martin Bashir released a statement, in which he apologised for mocking up documents, but said he remained “immensely proud” of the interview.

Martin Bashir said: The bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview.

“Evidence handled to the inquiry in her own handwriting “and published alongside the report today) unequivocally confirms this, and other compelling evidence presented to Lord Dyson reinforces it.”

The BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, said: “Although the report states that Diana, Princess of Wales, was keen on the idea of an interview with the BBC, it is clear that the process for securing the interview fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect. We are very sorry for this. Lord Dyson has identified clear failings.

“While today’s BBC has significantly better processes and procedures, those that existed at the time should have prevented the interview being secured in this way.

“The BBC should have made greater effort to get to the bottom of what happened at the time and been more transparent about what it knew.

“While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today.”

This is the BBC getting ahead of the curve and backlash, it new about the lies in the documentary and any genuine organisation would have shared them months ago. The BBC is too big to fail and too corrupt to take down.

Martin Bashir Diana interview will air on BBC One tonight at 7 pm