The BBC has been forced to release over 3,000 emails relating to Martin Bashir's hugely controversial interview with the late Princess Diana.
Newly released files show Bashir claimed that professional jealousy, as well as his race and class, were behind accusations that he used forged documents to secure the Panorama interview in 1995.
The disgraced former BBC reporter claimed that his colleagues did not like that “a second-generation immigrant of non-white, working-class roots” had interviewed the princess.
Months after Bashir's interview with Diana was broadcast, it emerged that the journalist had arranged for mock-ups of bank documents to be created to indicate that members of the royal's staff were receiving payments from the media.
The BBC has been forced to release over 3000 emails relating to Martin Bashir's hugely controversial interview with the late Princess Diana.
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In July 2020, Bashir emailed Robert Seatter, the BBC’s head of history, to dismiss a story about the alleged forgeries after investigative journalist Andy Webb submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the BBC regarding how the interview with Diana was secured.
Seatter contacted Bashir requesting a short statement in response to Webb's request.
Bashir replied: wrote: "In the first instance, I would wish to respond to you privately and in confidence.
Newly released files show Bashir claimed that professional jealousy, as well as his race and class, were behind accusations that he used forged documents to secure the Panorama interview in 1995.
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"I am sorry to hear that this so-called ‘forgery’ story has reared its head again.
"It played no part in the interview but did allow professional jealousy, particularly within the corporation, to hang its hat on alleged wrongdoing.
"At the time, it was also apparent that there was some irritation that a second-generation immigrant of non-white, working-class roots should have the temerity to enter a Royal Palace and conduct an interview.
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In July 2020, Bashir emailed Robert Seatter, the BBC’s head of history, to dismiss a story about the alleged forgeries after investigative journalist Andy Webb submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
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"It would have been so much easier if one of the dynastic families (Dimbleby et al) had done it!"
In 2021, an inquiry found that Bashir had secured his interview with Diana through deception and faking documents.
The BBC were ordered to release the over 3,000 internal emails by a judge.