In 1995, Princess Diana poured out her heart in a BBC interview. But journalist Martin Bashir sneaked the conversation using unfair methods. As compensation, the BBC now wants to donate a large amount of money.
It is one of the most spectacular scoops and at the same time one of the biggest scandals in the history of the BBC: On November 20, 1995, the British broadcaster showed a film entitled “An Interview with HRH the Princess of Wales” as part of the “Panorama” series of reports. During the four-hour conversation, Princess Diana poured out her heart to the journalist Martin Bashir. The then 34-year-old spoke about her “marriage of three”, postnatal depression, eating disorders and Charles’ inability to lead the country as king one day.
However, over the years, doubts arose about Interviewer Bashir’s methods. Most recently, it was Charles Spencer, Lady Di’s brother, who said that Bashir had duped him with forged documents and led him to introduce his famous sister to the journalist.
BBC admitted mistakes in Diana interview
An official BBC report released in May this year confirmed Spencer’s claims that he and his sister were deliberately deceived and lied to by Martin Bashir. The journalist apologized, but emphasized that he had no influence on Diana’s decision to be interviewed. The BBC, in turn, admitted that it had “failed to meet its high standards of integrity and transparency”. “While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can only apologize fully and unconditionally,” said Tim Davie, acting head of the broadcaster.
Words alone do not seem to be enough to make amends for the damage the BBC caused by the Diana interview. Therefore, the station wants to donate 1.5 million pounds to charities. This is reported by the British newspaper “Mail on Sunday”. The total is the result of the amount that the broadcaster received from the sale of the worldwide rights for the interview. The royal family should decide which organizations receive the money.
Harry and William expressed sharp criticism
In particular, Princes William and Harry had made grave allegations to the BBC after the unfair methods became known. “The interview contributed to the deterioration of my parents’ relationship and has hurt countless others since then. I believe the deceptive manner in which the interview was conducted had a significant impact on what my mother said. It is indescribably sad to know that the BBC’s failures have contributed significantly to the fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember with her over the years, “said William.
His younger brother Harry even suggested that the interview “cost her life”. In addition, the 36-year-old criticized the “culture of exploitation and unethical practices” of the British media. “Our mother lost her life as a result and nothing has changed,” said the prince.
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