The BBC is facing further scrutiny regarding the disgraced Diana Panorama interview conducted by journalist Martin Bashir, as new evidence suggests that Bashir was privately discussing the matter with his bosses while publicly claiming to be too unwell to address it. A 2021 inquiry by Lord Dyson concluded that Bashir had used deceitful tactics to secure the interview in 1995, during which Princess Diana famously stated “there were three of us” in her marriage to Prince Charles. Previous reports had revealed that Bashir had utilized forged bank statements and unethical methods to gain Diana’s trust and secure the interview. However, in late 2020, as allegations against Bashir began to arise, the BBC stated that they were unable to respond due to Bashir’s supposed serious illness related to Covid-19. In turn, more than 3,200 relevant emails were not disclosed under Freedom of Information laws.
Newly uncovered emails now suggest that Bashir was indeed capable of discussing the accusations, which raises questions about the BBC’s handling of the scandal. The Daily Telegraph, who obtained the emails, reports that in November 2020, the BBC claimed it was unable to discuss the matter with Bashir. However, just two days after this statement, Bashir denied knowledge of the forged bank statements to his superiors. Three days later, he was seen arriving home after visiting a fast food outlet. Furthermore, in October 2020, Richard Burgess, the director of news content, questioned Bashir about his alleged presence at a club despite his poor health, as well as a handwritten note supposedly given to him by Diana after the interview. Bashir responded in detail to the accusations about the handwritten note but this club appearance paragraph was redacted. Fran Unsworth, the BBC’s director of news and current affairs, was made aware of the email. On November 5, Burgess also asked Bashir about the alleged burglary of Matt Wiessler, a graphic designer who had unwittingly provided the forged bank statements. Bashir denied any knowledge of this incident as well.
The revelations surrounding Bashir’s conduct have tarnished his reputation. It was discovered that he had manipulated Princess Diana into believing that individuals close to her were being paid by the press to spy on her. Bashir, who initially joined the BBC in 1986 before moving to ITV in 1999, returned to the BBC in 2016 as a religious affairs correspondent but resigned in May 2021 citing health reasons.
In response to these allegations, a BBC spokesperson asserted that the corporation had not acted unlawfully and had a duty of care towards its employees, including Bashir. The spokesperson explained that the contact with Bashir in 2020 primarily centered around his health and well-being and did not imply that he was fit to engage in a detailed discussion of the events from 1995. The independent investigation conducted by Lord Dyson took place after Bashir’s health had improved.
This article originally appeared on the BBC website, but has been rewritten for clarity, syntax, tone, and SEO purposes.
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