Former MSNBC anchor Martin Bashir has quit his job at the BBC amid an investigation into how he secured an interview in 1995 with Princess Diana.
Bashir, who most recently was the religion editor for the BBC, stepped down from his role on health grounds, Deadline reported in a piece published Monday. (RELATED: Donald Trump Says Goodbye To Martin Bashir [VIDEO])
The journalist Martin Bashir has left the BBC as it prepares to publish the findings of an investigation into accusations that he used dishonest tactics to secure a major 1995 television interview with Princess Diana. https://t.co/JO1hWbYzHe
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 14, 2021
It comes as the British Broadcasting Corporation prepares to publish the findings of an investigation into accusations the former anchor allegedly used deceptive tactics to get the interview with the late Princess of Wales, the New York Times reported. (RELATED: Why Sarah Palin Should Have Just Let It Go With Martin Bashir)
A Friday email sent by BBC’s deputy director of news, Jonathan Munro, to colleagues explained that Bashir notified them last month about his decision to leave as he was “facing some ongoing” health issues, the outlet noted.
“He [Martin] let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart,” Mr. Munro wrote. “Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.”
The report noted Bashir had become very sick last year following complications related to the coronavirus.
The anchor is best known for his Panorama interview with Princess Diana during which she admitted to an adulterous affair.
It is how he landed that interview that has lead to an independent inquiry by former supreme court judge Lord Dyson into accusations Bashir used dishonest tactics to convince the late royal to agree to the interview.
Those accusations include the alleged use of doctored bank statements that reportedly proved employees of the royal family were allegedly being payed to spy on her and that helped gain the princess’ consent to the sit-down. The findings of the investigation are expected to be released soon.
An investigation by the BBC in 1996 cleared Bashir of allegations of impropriety by the company’s news chief at the time, Tony Hall, about the high-profile interview.