The resignation follows renewed scrutiny over Attia’s past email correspondence with Epstein. While Attia has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not attend any events connected to Epstein’s criminal conduct, he acknowledged that some of his messages were inappropriate and publicly apologized earlier this month.

CBS News confirmed on Monday that Attia stepped down from his post.

Attia’s Role at CBS News

Attia, known for his podcast and bestselling book Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity, had recently been named a contributor to CBS News programming. The announcement was made last month by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

He had also been featured in a profile on the long-running program 60 Minutes, which aired in October and highlighted his approach to preventive medicine and lifespan research.

His appointment was part of a broader effort by CBS News to bring subject-matter experts into its programming lineup. However, the timing quickly became complicated as additional Epstein-related documents entered the public domain.

Emails Surface in Epstein Document Release

The latest batch of documents, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, included references to numerous individuals across business, academia, politics and media who had various forms of contact with Epstein over the years.

Attia’s name appeared multiple times in email exchanges. In a public statement issued earlier this month, he said he had corresponded with Epstein in a professional context but had no knowledge of his criminal behavior at the time. He described some of the language in those emails as “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible,” adding that he regretted the communications.

Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in a New York jail while awaiting trial. His case has continued to reverberate across public life, with court filings and document releases drawing attention to the breadth of his social and professional network.

CBS News Response and Resignation

Following the disclosure of Attia’s name in the documents, CBS News faced public questions about his role at the network. According to published reports, the organization did not initially sever ties after the documents surfaced.

Instead, Attia resigned voluntarily. CBS News confirmed the resignation but did not provide additional comment on internal discussions surrounding the decision.

The episode reflects the ongoing sensitivity surrounding individuals linked — even indirectly — to Epstein. In recent weeks, several public figures in corporate and civic sectors have stepped back from roles after their names appeared in document releases connected to the case.

Broader Implications

The continued release of Epstein-related materials has periodically renewed attention on the extent of his relationships with prominent individuals. Inclusion in documents does not in itself imply wrongdoing, a point repeatedly emphasized by legal experts and officials. However, the reputational impact has proven significant in many cases.

For Attia, whose public profile centers on science-based health advocacy and longevity research, the resignation marks a setback in his growing media presence. His podcast and medical commentary have attracted a large following, particularly among audiences interested in preventive health and performance optimization.

CBS News has not announced whether it will replace Attia in the contributor role or adjust its approach to external expert appointments.

The Justice Department has not indicated whether additional large-scale document releases are forthcoming. Legal proceedings tied to Epstein’s estate and associates continue to unfold in federal courts.

As institutions and individuals navigate the fallout, the episode underscores how historical associations — particularly in cases involving criminal misconduct — can resurface with renewed force years later, shaping professional trajectories in real time.

Source: AP News – Medical influencer Attia resigns post at CBS News after name included in multiple Epstein files

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The BBC has apologized to former U.S. President Donald Trump for an editing error in an October 2024 documentary that altered the context of his January 6, 2021, speech. While expressing regret, the broadcaster rejected Trump’s $1 billion defamation claim and confirmed it will not rebroadcast the program. The controversy has prompted resignations of senior BBC executives and intensified scrutiny of its editorial practices.

Background of the Documentary Controversy

The dispute centers on the BBC documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?”, which included a clip from Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. In the documentary, Trump appeared to say:

“We’re gonna walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you and we fight. We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

In reality, Trump’s remarks were edited out of context. He actually said:

“We’re gonna walk down to the Capitol and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,”

with the phrase “fight like hell” appearing 54 minutes later.

Trump and his legal team described the edit as false and defamatory, claiming it caused “overwhelming financial and reputational harm” and demanded a formal apology and $1 billion compensation.

BBC Apology and Response

On Thursday, the BBC confirmed that Chair Samir Shah had sent a personal letter to the White House apologizing for the editing error. A spokesperson stated:

“BBC lawyers have written to President Trump’s legal team, and the corporation regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited.”

The BBC emphasized it will not rebroadcast the documentary on any platform but rejected the claim that it constitutes defamation:

“While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim,” the spokesperson added.

Executive Resignations and Internal Criticism

The controversy has already led to significant leadership changes. Deborah Turness, the outgoing CEO of BBC News, resigned on Sunday, stating that the backlash had reached a point where it was causing damage to the BBC, an institution she said she loved.

Turness defended the corporation, saying that while mistakes were made, allegations of institutional bias at BBC News were incorrect. The BBC board has faced criticism for its delayed response after the editing issue surfaced in a leaked internal memo, fueling public debate over journalistic standards and impartiality.

Trump’s Reaction and Legal History

Trump publicly criticized the BBC in a Fox News interview, claiming the broadcaster had “butchered” his “beautiful” and “calming” speech, making it sound radical.

While Trump has a history of issuing legal threats without pursuing action, he has filed lawsuits in recent months against The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. His legal team has yet to respond publicly to the BBC’s apology.

Implications for Media and Journalism

The incident highlights the sensitivity of political reporting, especially involving historical events with ongoing public scrutiny. Editing errors in documentaries or news reports can lead to significant reputational and legal consequences for major broadcasters.

Media analysts note that this case may prompt the BBC and other international media organizations to strengthen editorial oversight and review processes to maintain public trust. The broadcaster’s next steps remain uncertain, including whether additional corrections or clarifications will be issued.

Current Status

• BBC apologized to Trump for the editing error.

• Defamation claim rejected; no $1 billion payout planned.

• Documentary will not be rebroadcast.

• Trump has not publicly acknowledged the apology.

• Senior BBC executives resigned, citing institutional impact.

Observers continue to monitor the situation, as the controversy could have long-term implications for BBC’s credibility and editorial practices in politically sensitive reporting.

Source: CNN – BBC apologizes to Trump over editing blunder, rejects defamation claim

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The controversy has triggered the resignations of the BBC’s Director-General Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, as well as a rare public apology from BBC chairman Samir Shah, who called the broadcast “an error of judgment.”

The hourlong episode, titled “Trump: A Second Chance?”, was broadcast on the BBC’s long-running Panorama series just days before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. It combined excerpts from separate moments of Trump’s speech outside the White House on the day of the Capitol riot, creating what appeared to be a single continuous quote urging supporters to “fight like hell” and march with him.

Shah admitted the edit “gave the impression of a direct call for violent action,” though he insisted the intent had been to “convey the message of the speech in context.”

Trump Demands Retraction and Compensation

A letter sent by Trump’s attorney Alejandro Brito to the BBC demanded a full retraction, public apology, and “appropriate compensation” for what it described as “false, defamatory, and inflammatory statements.” The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a $1 billion lawsuit.

“The BBC’s actions were designed to mislead and damage President Trump’s reputation globally,” Brito wrote, accusing the broadcaster of “interference in a democratic election.”

In response, a BBC spokesperson said the corporation had received the letter and would “review it carefully and respond directly in due course.”

Resignations and Apologies Inside the BBC

The fallout from the documentary prompted immediate resignations at the BBC. Director-General Tim Davie, who led the organization since 2020, accepted responsibility for the editorial lapse, saying, “There have been mistakes made, and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”

Deborah Turness, head of BBC News, also stepped down, saying the issue had caused unacceptable damage to the broadcaster’s credibility. “Our journalists are hardworking people who strive for impartiality, and I will stand by their journalism,” Turness said. “Mistakes are made, but there’s no institutional bias.”

Trump welcomed the resignations, posting on his Truth Social platform that they were “Corrupt ‘Journalists’ who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election.” He thanked the Daily Telegraph for exposing the editing issue, calling the incident “a terrible thing for Democracy!”

What the BBC Documentary Showed — and Omitted

The disputed Panorama episode featured an edited version of Trump’s January 6 speech, splicing together sentences that originally appeared nearly an hour apart. The edited clip portrayed Trump as directly urging supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell,” omitting his earlier statement urging the crowd to demonstrate “peacefully and patriotically.”

Trump’s full speech included both fiery rhetoric and calls for calm. He told supporters, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.” Later, he said, “I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.”

The “fight like hell” line appeared near the end of his remarks but was not directly linked to the Capitol march.

BBC’s Internal and External Pressure Mounts

The editing controversy first came to light after the Daily Telegraph published excerpts from a dossier by media consultant Michael Prescott, who had been advising the BBC on editorial standards. The report criticized the network’s handling of several sensitive topics, including the Trump broadcast, coverage of transgender issues, and alleged anti-Israel bias within the BBC’s Arabic-language service.

Shah acknowledged that the broadcaster “should have acted earlier” to address the matter but insisted there was no deliberate attempt to mislead viewers. “It would have been better to have acted earlier. But we didn’t,” he said in a BBC interview.

The broadcaster confirmed it had received over 500 complaints after the Prescott dossier was made public, though the program had initially attracted little viewer backlash when it aired.

A National Institution Under Fire

Founded in 1922, the BBC remains one of Britain’s most scrutinized public institutions. Funded by an annual license fee of £174.50 ($230) paid by U.K. households, it is legally required to maintain strict impartiality under its royal charter.

The network has long been accused of bias from both the left and the right. Conservatives often charge that it has a liberal agenda, while some liberal critics accuse it of catering to right-wing narratives. The BBC has also faced criticism over its reporting on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with a recent documentary withdrawn after it was revealed that its child narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

Political Reactions in the U.K.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government expressed continued support for an independent BBC but emphasized the need for transparency and accountability.

“A strong, independent BBC is vital to our democracy,” said Starmer’s spokesman Tom Wells. “But it is important that the BBC acts to maintain trust and corrects mistakes quickly when they occur.”

While some defenders of the corporation claim that board members appointed under previous Conservative governments have sought to undermine it, others say the current controversy highlights the need for stronger internal oversight.

For now, the BBC faces not only Trump’s legal threat but also renewed questions about its editorial integrity — and whether it can preserve the public’s trust at home and abroad.

Source: AP News – BBC says Trump has threatened to sue over edited speech that sparked resignations by news bosses

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BBC Director-General Tim Davie and News and Current Affairs CEO Deborah Turness both announced their departures on Sunday after mounting pressure over the editing of a Trump address featured in a BBC documentary.

The controversy centers on a segment of Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech — delivered shortly before his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol — which critics claim was edited in a misleading way that omitted his call for supporters to “peacefully” demonstrate.

Leadership Accountability and Institutional Responsibility

In a letter to BBC staff, Davie, who led the corporation for five years, said his decision to step down was made independently.

“Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general, I have to take ultimate responsibility,” Davie wrote. He added that he would coordinate with the BBC Board to ensure “an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.”

Turness, who had led BBC News since 2022, also cited the growing impact of the controversy. “The situation has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC — an institution that I love,” she said in a message to staff. “In public life, leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down.”

She emphasized, however, that “recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong,” acknowledging that “mistakes have been made” but rejecting broader claims of systemic prejudice.

Political Fallout and Trump’s Reaction

The issue gained international traction after Trump shared a link on his Truth Social platform to a Daily Telegraph article criticizing the BBC’s edit. In his post, Trump thanked the newspaper “for exposing these Corrupt ‘Journalists,’” calling the editing “a terrible thing for Democracy.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), posting an image juxtaposing headlines about Trump’s criticism of the BBC and Davie’s resignation, captioned “shot” and “chaser.”

The incident has become the latest flashpoint in the former president’s ongoing campaign against major news outlets, which he frequently labels as “fake news.”

Mounting Pressure and Broader Scrutiny of the BBC

The controversy escalated after The Telegraph published portions of an internal review compiled by communications consultant Michael Prescott, who was hired to advise the BBC on editorial standards and impartiality.

The review not only raised concerns about the Trump documentary but also criticized the broadcaster’s coverage of transgender issues and alleged bias against Israel within its Arabic-language service.

The BBC — founded in 1922 and funded primarily through a public license fee — has long faced political and media scrutiny due to its dual role as both a national institution and an independent news organization. Every UK household with a television pays £174.50 (about $230) annually to support the broadcaster’s operations.

A National Institution Under Pressure

The BBC’s vast programming spans entertainment, sports, and educational content across television, radio, and digital platforms. Yet its news division remains its most controversial arm, frequently accused of bias from across the political spectrum.

Conservative politicians often allege a left-leaning agenda, while some liberal critics claim the broadcaster has drifted toward conservative viewpoints.

In recent months, the BBC has also faced criticism for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. In February, the broadcaster removed a documentary after reports surfaced that its child narrator was related to a Hamas official.

Political Reactions in the United Kingdom

The leadership departures triggered swift responses from across the UK political landscape. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, accused the BBC of “institutional bias” and called for “genuine reform of the culture of the BBC, top to bottom.”

Meanwhile, Lisa Nandy, the minister responsible for media under Britain’s centre-left Labour government, thanked Davie for his service and reaffirmed the government’s support for the broadcaster.

“Now more than ever, the need for trusted news and high-quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life,” Nandy said. “The government will continue to ensure the BBC remains at the heart of national life for decades to come.”

Future of the BBC and Public Trust

The resignations mark a pivotal moment for the 103-year-old broadcaster, whose reputation for impartiality and public trust has been a cornerstone of its global influence.

Analysts say the twin resignations underscore the challenges facing publicly funded media in an era of political polarization, misinformation, and social media scrutiny.

As the BBC begins its search for new leadership, questions remain over how it will navigate the delicate balance between accountability, transparency, and editorial independence in a rapidly evolving media environment.

Source: AP News – Top BBC bosses resign after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech

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Published Time: 08-18-2025, 21:55

Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems, ending a high-profile defamation lawsuit linked to false claims about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The settlement, disclosed in a recent financial filing, spares the conservative news outlet from facing a jury trial that could have further damaged its reputation and finances.

Settlement Details

According to the filing, Newsmax will pay Dominion $27 million immediately, followed by $40 million spread over the next two years. The agreement was finalized last week and revealed publicly on Monday.

Dominion Voting Systems, which provides election technology across the United States, confirmed the settlement but offered no further comment. “We are pleased to have settled this matter,” a Dominion spokesperson told CNN.

Notably, the agreement does not require Newsmax to issue an on-air apology or acknowledgment of its role in spreading false claims about the company.

The Origins of the Lawsuit

Dominion filed its lawsuit against Newsmax in August 2021, after the network aired allegations that the company had helped rig the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden. These unfounded claims were widely promoted by allies of former President Donald Trump, including commentators and guests on Newsmax programs.

Following Trump’s loss, a wave of conspiracy theories emerged suggesting that Dominion’s voting machines were manipulated. The allegations, later proven false, became central to lawsuits brought by Dominion against several media organizations and individuals.

Court Rulings and Trial Postponement

Earlier this year, a Delaware judge determined that Newsmax had aired defamatory content regarding Dominion, specifically by amplifying baseless accusations of election fraud. The judge noted that a jury would need to decide whether the network acted with actual malice and to determine appropriate damages.

A trial was initially set for April but was postponed by the court due to an unrelated professional matter. Before proceedings could resume, both parties reached the $67 million settlement agreement.

Comparison to Fox News Settlement

The outcome echoes a similar case involving Fox News. In April 2023, Fox reached a record $787.5 million settlement with Dominion, avoiding what was expected to be a lengthy and damaging trial. That payout had a significant financial impact on Fox Corporation’s quarterly earnings.

While the Newsmax settlement is much smaller in scale, the network’s audience and revenues are also far smaller. Newsmax’s viewership is estimated at roughly one-tenth the size of Fox’s cable news audience.

Ongoing Defamation Cases

The legal battles stemming from false election claims are far from over. Dominion and other voting technology companies, such as Smartmatic, continue to pursue lawsuits against media outlets and public figures who promoted baseless fraud allegations.

Smartmatic, which also provides election software, is currently engaged in a major defamation lawsuit against Fox News. Newsmax previously settled with Smartmatic for $40 million in 2024, also on the eve of trial.

These settlements highlight the long-lasting consequences of misinformation campaigns tied to the 2020 election. Nearly five years later, courts remain a key battleground for accountability and reputational repair.

Broader Implications

The $67 million agreement underscores the financial risks media outlets face when amplifying false narratives without evidence. Legal experts note that these settlements serve as a warning to news organizations about the potential costs of airing unverified claims.

While Newsmax avoids the uncertainty of a jury verdict, the settlement adds to a growing list of costly legal defeats for media platforms that supported conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election.

For Dominion, the deal continues its strategy of seeking redress through the courts after facing a wave of reputational damage and security threats in the aftermath of the election.

Source: CNN – Newsmax pays $67 million to settle Dominion lawsuit over network’s 2020 election lies

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NEW YORK — In a blockbuster media and political development, Paramount Global and CBS have agreed to a settlement potentially exceeding $30 million to resolve former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit accusing the network of election interference tied to a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris.

The deal includes an upfront $16 million payout to cover Trump’s legal expenses and contributions to causes such as his future presidential library or charities, according to Fox News Digital. CBS has not admitted wrongdoing, but agreed to reform its editorial standards as part of the settlement.

What’s Changing at CBS?

As part of the agreement, CBS will now release full, unedited transcripts of all future interviews with presidential candidates. Insiders are already calling this policy change the “Trump Rule.”

While CBS hasn’t conceded any journalistic fault, sources say the new policy aims to rebuild trust and transparency after months of backlash.

The Numbers: A Massive Payout

• $16 million paid upfront to Trump
• Additional mid–eight-figure allocation anticipated for future public service announcements and conservative-aligned messaging across CBS platforms
• The total amount may surpass the $15 million ABC paid Trump last year in a separate defamation case

Paramount executives dispute the additional allocation figure, but Trump’s legal team sees the deal as a resounding victory.

“President Trump delivers another win for the American people… CBS and Paramount Global had no choice but to settle,” a spokesperson for Trump’s team said.

The Lawsuit: What Sparked the Battle

Trump’s legal complaint centered on a 2023 “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. A preview clip on Face the Nation showed Harris fumbling through a widely mocked answer about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu — what critics called a “word salad.” A different, more concise version of her response aired during the network’s primetime broadcast.

Trump alleged this selective editing was meant to shield Harris from criticism right before Election Day — and that it amounted to election interference. CBS maintained that both clips came from the same answer and denied any intent to mislead.

Still, the FCC got involved, forcing CBS to release the unedited transcript, which revealed both parts of Harris’ answer were cut and aired separately.

Political and Industry Fallout

Trump originally sought $20 billion in damages. And while CBS avoided that number, the network was clearly under pressure — especially with Paramount Global’s pending merger with Skydance Media in the background. There were fears that Trump’s FCC could block the deal if the lawsuit wasn’t resolved.

Not everyone inside CBS agreed with the decision to settle:

• “60 Minutes” producers reportedly called the lawsuit “complete bulls—”
• Longtime executive producer Bill Owens resigned in April over the dispute, citing a lack of editorial independence
• CBS News President Wendy McMahon also stepped down in May, stating, “It’s time for me to move on”

Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders and eight other Democratic senators had urged Paramount not to settle, calling the lawsuit an “attack on the First Amendment.”

No Apology, No Personal Payout

The settlement does not include any admission of guilt or a formal apology. No money is going directly to Trump himself—the funds are earmarked for legal and charitable use.

Paramount emphasized that the settlement is unrelated to the Skydance deal and that it is simply “abiding by the legal process.” Still, the timing suggests a strategic move to clear the decks ahead of the July 2 shareholder meeting.

Trump: “They Cheated the American People”

Trump, for his part, called the CBS segment a “fraud on the American people.” On Truth Social, he claimed Harris’ original answer was so damaging it would have “cost her many of the votes she ended up getting.”

The case, Trump argued, showed that the media had gone too far in trying to influence elections—and this time, he fought back and won.

Final Take

This is more than just a legal victory for Trump—it’s a shot across the bow for mainstream media. Whether you view it as justice or intimidation, the settlement marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between politics, press freedom, and accountability in the digital age.

Source: FOX News – Paramount, CBS forced to pay eight figures, change editorial policy in settlement with President Trump

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