1995 Princess Diana's Interview With Martin Bashir: What Did BBC Do

Princess Diana BBC Interview Of 1995: The BBC network issued a "full and unconditional apology" apology in regard to the deceiving interview conducted by them over a decade ago that wrongfully revealed inputs by Princess Diana about her marriage and affairs. Here is what all the British news Corporation did wrong.

The Prince of Cambridge issued his statement against the BBC on May 20, following an official inquiry, which proved that the network did not properly investigate Martin Bashir's case.

The interview, carried out by then BBC journalist Martin Bashir, is alleged to have "lurid and false claims" by the Prince. He said that the deceitful way the interview was obtained considerably influenced what his mother said. Further, he said that the interview contributed to making the royal couple's relationship worse.

Princess Diana BBC Interview Of 1995: Where Did BBC Go Wrong?

Apart from the fact that the interview itself is allegedly a deceiving one and was conducted by tricking the Princess's brother, the entire news agency, including the investigating team, were wrong on their part to have covered up the said interview and providing Bashir with "benefit of the doubt", according to a report.

The 1996 Investigation: When the BBC conducted an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the interview, they concluded that Bashir had acquired the interview fairly.

Earl Spencer's Statement: Princess Diana's younger brother, Charles Spencer, in an interview with a British newspaper, mentioned how he was shown fake bank statements by Bashir that tricked him into arranging an interview with his sister.

The report that brought out the revelation said that the BBC also failed in its editorial mission by firstly, not investigating thoroughly enough claims about Bashir’s behaviour, and secondly, by failing to broadcast those claims when they became public knowledge. "Without justification, the BBC fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark."

BBC's Apologies Concerning Bashir's Interview

The apology issued by the news agency, which stated they "can't turn back the clock after a quarter of a century to correct the past, mentioned, "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."

BBC director-general Tim Davie said, "While today’s BBC has significantly better processes and procedures, those that existed at the time should have prevented the interview from being secured in this way. "

He added that the BBC should have made a greater effort to get to the bottom of the matter at the time and should have been more transparent about what it knew.