The BBC dossier that could prove cover-up of Bashir's Diana deception

The BBC dossier that could prove cover-up of Bashir's Diana deception

Before the notorious Panorama interview, through which Martin Bashir enticed Princess Diana with fabricated claims, he was an almost unknown journalist. Yet, he possessed a charm that many found captivating and persuasive. Bashir had an exceptional talent for flattering others to gain trust.

"Like a snake charmer, he was fantastic at looking in your eyes and telling you, 'You're brilliant!' He was terrific at doing sincerity."

His cunning nature and ability to deceive even the most skeptical colleagues became clear after he joined the Panorama team. He sought the favor of veteran reporter Tom Mangold, a journalist with three decades of BBC experience and more than a hundred investigative films to his name. Mangold was known for his sharp instincts and skepticism toward pretenders.

"One day Martin took me to one side and said, 'Mr Mangold, I'm sorry to trouble you, but I just wanted to tell you that my brother recently died and on his deathbed he said to me, 'Martin, when you get to Panorama, imitate Tom Mangold. Operate like him, and you will become as successful as he is.' I was really touched. What I didn't know until later was that he told exactly the same story to Mike Nicholson at ITV and to John Humphrys."

Driven by ambition, Bashir aimed to join the ranks of famous broadcast journalists. To reach that level, he needed to stage a groundbreaking success, regardless of the ethical line he might cross.

Author's Summary

The story reveals how Martin Bashir’s manipulative charm and ambition led him to deceive colleagues and ultimately craft the notorious Diana interview that shook public trust in journalism.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-09

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