Archive · 21 Nov 2025
BBC Faces Backlash Over Diana Interview Deception
A new book says a BBC reporter tricked Princess Diana into giving an interview 27 years ago.
He showed her brother fake papers saying people close to her were spying.
The BBC knew he did this but didn't tell anyone.
This interview might have led to Diana pushing away her security, which some say led to her death in a car crash.
The BBC has said sorry for this.
A new book reveals BBC journalist Martin Bashir's deception to secure a 1995 interview with Princess Diana
Bashir showed Diana's brother fake bank statements suggesting she was being spied on
BBC knew about Bashir's actions four months after the interview but didn't disclose it
The interview is linked to Diana's decision to push away her security team, contributing to her death in 1997
BBC has apologized for Bashir's actions and paid damages to those affected
- Who
- Princess Diana, Martin Bashir (BBC journalist), Charles Spencer (Diana's brother)
- What
- BBC journalist Martin Bashir secured an interview with Princess Diana by showing her brother fake bank statements
- When
- November 20, 1995 (interview), 2022 (new book release)
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To secure the interview, Bashir used deceptive methods
BBC's Stance
Public's Stance
Deception
BBC's Stance
Admitted and apologized
Public's Stance
Outraged and demands accountability
- Interview Date
- November 20, 1995
- Viewers
- 22.8 million
- Diana's Age at Death
- 36
- BBC's Response
- Apologized and paid damages