The BBC apologises and removes coverage it says contained defamatory sexual misconduct allegations about PinkNews founder Benjamin Cohen and his husband, Anthony James. Multiple outlets report the BBC “unreservedly” apologises and retracts the allegations made in a documentary and accompanying news article.
Deadline and Press Gazette say the BBC has taken down the original PinkNews article from its website, and that the apology follows the retraction of the claims presented in 2024. PinkNews says the BBC issued its apology after allegations were challenged, and also describes actions including the removal of the documentary from BBC iPlayer after its licence window ended.
PinkNews frames the issue as the BBC broadcasting false allegations despite warnings about their veracity. Press Gazette and Deadline focus more on the procedural steps taken by the BBC, including the retraction and apology, and also mention donations associated with the settlement described by the parties. Across sources, there is agreement on the core outcome: the BBC retracts and apologises for the disputed allegations.
