- The BBC faced a major scandal in 1995 when journalist Martin Bashir used forged documents to secure an exclusive interview with Princess Diana.
- Bashir approached Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, with false information about threats to her safety and other alleged conspiracies.
- Freelance graphic designer Matt Wiessler was asked to create the forgeries, which were then delivered to Heathrow Airport by Bashir.
- Despite initial doubts from Charles Spencer, Princess Diana ended up in a controversial interview that led to significant consequences for both parties involved.
The Rise of Martin Bashir: A Media Outsider Becomes a Celebrity Journalist
Martin Bashir was an unknown figure in media circles until he orchestrated the infamous 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana. According to Andy Webb’s book, Bashir’s rise to fame was fueled by his charm and ability to manipulate others, even those experienced in journalism like Tom Mangold.
Before Diana, Bashir had a knack for buttering people up, as described by his colleague, who said: “Like a snake charmer, he was fantastic at looking in your eyes and telling you, ‘You’re brilliant!’ He was terrific at doing sincerity.”
The Forged Documents: A Critical Tool in the Scandal
Bashir’s strategy to gain Diana’s trust included creating fake documents that appeared to show payments made by News International to her brother Charles and other officials. Freelance graphic designer Matt Wiessler was tasked with producing these forgeries, working through the night under pressure.
Wiessler remained uneasy about his involvement and later described the situation: “I saw the film go out. I went, ‘That’s gonna bring the Royal Family down!’ And I just thought, ‘What have I got myself into?’”
The Controversial Interview and Its Aftermath
Despite initial concerns from Charles Spencer, Princess Diana eventually agreed to an interview with Bashir. The resulting Panorama segment, which aired in November 1995, caused significant controversy due to the use of forged documents.
Bashir later claimed that the documents were merely part of his personal research and not intended for Diana’s eyes. However, this explanation was met with skepticism from those who knew about the forgeries, including former BBC producer Mark Killick.
The Cover-Up: BBC’s Response to the Scandal
BBC executives initially tried to cover up the use of forged documents by Princess Diana herself exonerating Bashir in a note she wrote just before Christmas 1995. This move allowed Bashir to continue his career and even gain further media awards.
However, the scandal did not remain buried for long. Journalist Mark Hollingsworth uncovered evidence of the forgeries and reported on them, leading to a major investigation into the BBC’s handling of the affair.
In conclusion, the use of forged documents by Martin Bashir in his 1995 interview with Princess Diana marked a significant low point in British journalism. The scandal not only tarnished Bashir’s career but also highlighted issues within the BBC and raised questions about the ethics of investigative journalism.
