Category: Global News

Date: 03.12.2004
Printable version

The BBC has moved swiftly to retract a live interview with an individual claiming to be a spokesman for Dow Chemicals.

In the interview the individual admitted responsibility for the Bhopal disaster.

The interview, an elaborate deception, was carried live on BBC World and subsequently on BBC News 24 and BBC Radio.

The individual was contacted by the BBC and, during a series of phone calls, claimed that there would be a significant announcement to be made on behalf of the Dow Chemical company.

He gave no further detail until the live interview, broadcast from the BBC's Paris bureau this morning.

Following further internal enquiries, the BBC realised that the interview was a deception and broadcast the following statement:

"This morning at 9.00 and 10.00am (GMT), BBC World ran an interview with someone purporting to be from the Dow Chemical company about Bhopal.

"This interview was inaccurate, part of an elaborate deception.

"The person did not represent the company and we want to make clear that the information he gave was entirely inaccurate."

The BBC also immediately contacted Dow Chemicals and apologised to them.

The BBC is looking into the incident to establish the background and how the interview got to air.

A report will be made to the BBC's Deputy Director-General, Mark Byford.