BBC star tells broadcaster 'it's over' after Donald Trump scandal

BBC Radio star Lee Harris has issued his own damning verdict on the corporation following its top bosses quitting. Director General Tim Davie and CEO Deborah Turness resigned from their positions on Sunday evening, following a turbulent week that saw a BBC bias row emerge. Their resignations follow allegations about the BBC's editorial practices, which included the manipulation of a speech by Donald Trump in a Panorama documentary.

The American President threatened to sue the corporation for $1 billion on Monday, and a letter from lawyer Alejandro Brito, dated November 9, outlines three demands that the BBC must meet to avoid being sued. The demands include issuing a "full and fair retraction" of the Panorama documentary, apologising immediately and "appropriately compensating" the US President. The deadline for responding is 10pm UK time on Friday.

Sharing the Panorama edit on Twitter, journalist Harris penned: "Dear leftists defending the BBC. This was not an 'error'. This was not a 'mistake'. This was not an 'isolated incident'. Tim Davie has not been 'exceptional' or led with 'integrity'. FACT: The BBC is institutionally biased and they deliberately misled the British public. It's over."

BBC chairman Samir Shah apologised for the "error of judgement" in editing the video on Monday.

Davie is set to hold a full staff meeting today (Tuesday, November 11). The statement following his resignation read: "Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.

"While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.

"Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director general I have to take ultimate responsibility."

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the leader insisted the BBC was not "corrupt" or "institutionally biased".