BBC reporter quits amid probe into his Princess Di interview, ‘ongoing’ health issues
The journalist whose 1995 landmark BBC interview with Princess Diana is currently under investigation has resigned, citing health issues.
A report about Martin Bashir’s conduct in procuring the interview — in which the late royal said there were “three of us” in her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles — will wrap “very soon,” a BBC spokesperson told CNN Saturday.
Jonathan Munro, Deputy Director of News at the company, said Friday that Bashir, who was revealed to be “seriously unwell” with coronavirus last fall, will no longer serve as religion editor or be with the company, according to CNN.
Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer has accused the journalist of having used fake bank statements — which former BBC graphic designer Matt Weissler said he created upon Bashir’s outreach — to lure the reluctant royal into the bombshell interview.
Diana’s description of her marriage referred to Charles’ relationships with his now-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles.
The independent inquiry announced last year aims to “get to the bottom of this,” referencing the allegations, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said at the time, according to CNN.
Munro said in his email that Bashir let the company know last month he would not be returning “just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart,” according to CNN.
Following a “major surgery” in late 2020, the journalist “is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health,” the email reportedly read.
“Martin Bashir does not wish to be contacted by media and will not be making public comment at this time,” said the BBC press office Friday.
