Martin Bashir: British journalist known for his Diana, Princess of Wales interview

Early Life and Education

Martin Henry Bashir was born on January 19, 1963, in Wandsworth, London, to Pakistani Christian parents. He studied at the independent Wandsworth School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history from King Alfred’s College of Higher Education, now the University of Winchester. He completed a master’s degree at King’s College London.

Career Beginnings

Bashir began his broadcasting career in 1986 with the BBC, working on programs such as Songs of Praise and Public Eye. His work as an investigative journalist gradually gained attention, leading to more prominent assignments.

Panorama and the Princess Diana Interview

In 1995, while working for BBC’s Panorama, Bashir conducted a televised interview with Diana, Princess of Wales. The interview made worldwide headlines because Diana openly discussed her struggles within the royal family, including her marriage to Prince Charles.

“There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” — Diana, Princess of Wales

This conversation became one of the most-watched television interviews in history, drawing global attention to the BBC.

Later Work in the United States

After his success with Panorama, Bashir joined ABC’s Nightline and NBC’s Dateline. In 2003, he produced Living with Michael Jackson, a documentary that featured extensive interviews with the pop star at his Neverland Ranch. The program generated huge controversy and ratings success.

Controversy and BBC Investigation

In 2020, renewed scrutiny surrounded Bashir’s Diana interview. A BBC inquiry led by Lord Dyson found that Bashir had used “deceptive methods,” including falsified bank documents, to gain access to Diana. The BBC publicly apologized, and Bashir resigned due to health reasons in 2021.

Personal Life

Bashir is married and has three children. He is known to maintain a private family life and has spoken about his Christian faith and cultural background in interviews.

Author’s Summary: Martin Bashir, a British journalist, became globally famous for his Diana interview and later faced controversy over deceptive practices uncovered decades after the broadcast.

Wikipedia — 2025-11-24