The BBC’s outgoing boss on Tuesday defended its journalists as the broadcaster grappled with how to respond to US President Donald Trump’s threat of a lawsuit over a misleading speech edit.

Trump’s lawyers on Monday gave the BBC until Friday to “appropriately compensate” the president for “harm caused” by a documentary containing the edit, or face a $1 billion lawsuit for damages.

The controversy has already seen the under-fire broadcaster apologise for giving the impression that Trump directly urged “violent action” just before the assault on the US Capitol by his supporters in 2021.

It has also claimed the jobs of two senior executives and lifted the lid on tensions at the top of the renowned institution over the coverage of hot-button issues, including the war in Gaza.

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