Actor Colin Salmon, who portrays George Knight in EastEnders, has strongly criticised those who welcome Donald Trump’s potential lawsuit against the BBC.
The 63-year-old took to X to argue that British citizens cheering such action are essentially supporting legal action against themselves.
“When British people celebrate the idea of suing the BBC, they are actually celebrating suing ourselves,” Mr Salmon posted, describing the broadcaster as publicly owned and accountable to UK citizens.
He went on: “We are the custodians of what is considered to be the greatest, most balanced of global broadcasters, owned by & answerable to us. Patriots should really know this and protect it at all costs.
Colin Salmon stars in EastEnders
|
BBC
“The fact that we all have differing opinions over its fairness suggests it’s actually getting something right. That is the actual point.
“It’s never at the mercy of a sponsor, owner, magnate, billionaire & that should be applauded because that is so rare at this point in time,” he signed off before including the hashtag: “#ThinkAboutIt.”
Mr Salmon’s take on the debate sparked an overwhelmingly hostile reception, with several X users disagreeing with his stance.
“Thank you, wise Colin, for teaching me how I should think and feel about a tax that I am forced to pay towards propaganda that I don’t want. Your instructions have set me along the correct path once more. *Eye roll*,” one X user sarcastically commented in response.
Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC
|
PAA second fumed: “People want unbiased news! The BBC had that but threw it away by lying repeatedly, not just recently. Lost credibility is hard to regain! It might be salvageable, but the credibility issue must be resolved quickly!”
“They lied. The BBC represents us globally,” a third hit out. “They need to restore their relationship with the truth. This is not about bias, it is about ethics and standards.”
“This is not about taking sides.. This is about misplaced trust,” a fourth raged, while a fifth slammed the actor: “Are you seriously trying to blame the custodians (ie forced taxpayers) for the egregious behavior of the BBC? Good grief!”
However, a handful did wade into the debate to back Mr Salmon’s point of view. “Thank you for speaking sense,” one supporter commented.
Meanwhile, Downing Street has dismissed President Trump’s allegations of corruption within BBC journalism.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office defended the corporation as an “internationally renowned” institution, offering government backing amid the controversy.
The controversy stems from a now-withdrawn Panorama documentary that featured manipulated footage of President Trump’s speech from January 2021.
The programme spliced together separate portions of his address to create the impression he was directly inciting the Capitol Hill riots.
When British people celebrate the idea of suing the BBC they are actually celebrating suing ourselves. We are the custodians of what is considered to be the greatest most balanced of global broadcasters, owned by & answerable to, us. Patriots should really know this and protect…
— Colin Salmon (@colinsalmon24) November 11, 2025
According to the BBC, this editing approach aimed to help viewers grasp how Trump’s supporters interpreted his words and comprehend events unfolding that day. The corporation has acknowledged receiving correspondence from the US President warning of potential legal proceedings.
A BBC representative stated they would examine the letter and provide a formal response at an appropriate time.
Two of the BBC’s most senior executives have departed following the editing scandal. Tim Davie, who served as Director General for two decades, announced his resignation whilst acknowledging errors had occurred under his leadership.
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years,” Mr Davie wrote in his departure letter, emphasising the decision was entirely his own.
He expressed gratitude for the board’s support but conceded that recent controversies surrounding BBC News influenced his choice to step down. “There have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility,” he stated.
News CEO Deborah Turness also resigned amid the fallout from the controversial edit.
BBC Chair Samir Shah issued an apology regarding the edited footage that portrayed President Trump as endorsing the Capitol Hill rioters.
The manipulation of the documentary content prompted Trump’s press secretary to denounce the BBC as “100 percent fake news” and label it a “propaganda machine”.