BBC committed ‘fraud’ against Princess Diana

Former BBC reporter Martin Bashir "deceived and induced" Princess Diana's brother to secure a bombshell Panorama interview with her, a report has found. By producing fake bank statements, Mr Bashir made a "serious breach" of BBC guidelines on straight-dealing when he secured the 1995 interview. Mr Bashir has apologised in response to the report's findings and said the faking of bank statements was a "stupid thing to do" and "an action I deeply regret". However, he added he felt it had "no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview". BBC director-general Tim Davie has made a "full and unconditional" apology after the findings in Lord Dyson's report were released. The corporation has written apologies to Diana's sons Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as Prince Charles and Earl Spencer. Prince William slammed the BBC, saying the 1995 interview that featured his mother "contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation" - and it should never be broadcast again. Fox News foreign affairs reporter Benjamin Hall said Mr Bashir committed "fraud" when he faked documents to secure the interview with Diana. He said the BBC is also culpable for failing to properly investigate the interview and "covered up" some of Mr Bashir's conduct.

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