The BBC dossier that could prove cover-up of Bashir's Diana deception
Before the infamous Panorama interview that deceived Princess Diana into appearing on primetime TV, Martin Bashir was relatively unknown in media circles. What set him apart was a unique charm—both creative and irresistible. He had an exceptional ability to flatter people.
"Like a snake charmer, he was fantastic at looking in your eyes and telling you, 'You're brilliant!' He was terrific at doing sincerity."
This blend of cunning and ease in deceiving even experienced journalists became clear when he joined Panorama and approached Tom Mangold, a veteran reporter with 30 years at the BBC. Mangold, who had produced 120 Panorama films and specialized in exposing frauds, shares precisely how Bashir fooled him.
"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 discovered that Bashir told the same story to other prominent journalists like Mike Nicholson of ITV and John Humphrys. Bashir’s goal was clear—he was eager to become a celebrity journalist and needed a high-profile achievement to cement his position.
To reach that status, he prepared to execute a major breakthrough.
"What I didn't know until later was that he told exactly the same story to Mike Nicholson at ITV and to John Humphrys."
His ambition drove the deception that would eventually become a scandalous chapter in BBC history.
Author's summary: Martin Bashir’s charm and deception enabled him to manipulate trusted journalists, ultimately leading to the controversial Panorama interview with Princess Diana.