The BBC Dossier Suggesting a Cover-Up of Bashir's Diana Deception
Before the notorious Panorama interview where Martin Bashir deceived Princess Diana onto primetime TV, he was virtually unknown in media circles. However, his charm was both creative and persuasive, enabling him to win people over easily.
"Like a snake charmer, he was fantastic at looking in your eyes and telling you, 'You're brilliant!' He was terrific at doing sincerity."
A colleague recalled Bashir's talent for flattery and manipulation.
His cunning and ease in deceiving even the most seasoned journalists became clear when he joined Panorama and approached Tom Mangold, a veteran reporter with over 30 years of BBC experience. Mangold, who had produced 120 Panorama films and was confident in spotting frauds, recounted an unusual encounter.
"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."
Mangold later learned that Bashir had told the same story to other prominent journalists Mike Nicholson at ITV and John Humphrys. Bashir, eager to become a celebrity journalist like them, was willing to stage a major ruse to reach the top.
Summary
Martin Bashir’s deceptive charm and fabrications reveal a calculated ambition to rise in journalism through manipulation and lies.
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