Thursday, May 20, 2021

Martin Bashir Leaves BBC amid Inquiry into His Interview with Princess Diana

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Mr. Bashir’s departure from the nation’s public broadcaster comes as it prepares to publish the findings of an investigation into accusations that he used deceptive tactics to land a major interview with Diana in 1995.

The journalist Martin Bashir has left the British Broadcasting Corporation, as it prepares to publish the findings of an investigation into accusations that he used dishonest tactics to secure a major 1995 television interview with Diana, Princess of Wales.

In an email to colleagues on Friday, Jonathan Munro, the BBC’s deputy director of news, said that Mr. Bashir had stepped down from his position as the BBC’s religion editor and was leaving the corporation.

“He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart,” Mr. Munro wrote. “Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.”

Mr. Bashir, 58, could not be immediately reached for comment. The BBC reported in November that he had been recovering from quadruple heart bypass surgery and complications from Covid-19, which he had contracted earlier in the year. » | Michael Levenson | Friday, May 14, 2021

Former BBC chiefs told to expect criticism in Diana interview inquiry »