Martin Bashir is a British journalist who made the documentary film Living with Michael Jackson. He is also known for his interview with Princess Diana, as well as hosting a documentary about the Charles Ingram Who Wants To Be A Millionaire fraud case.
Biography[]
Born on January 19, 1963, in Wandsworth, London, Martin Henry Bashir began his career as a journalist in the late 1980s. He gained international recognition for his controversial interview with Princess Diana in 1995, during which she famously stated, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," referring to Prince Charles's relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Bashir started his journalism career with the BBC, working on programs such as "Songs of Praise" and "Public Eye." He later moved to ITV and worked on various documentary programs, showcasing his interviewing skills and investigative journalism. Over the years, he covered a range of topics, from celebrity profiles to serious news stories.
In 2013, Bashir returned to the BBC as a religion editor. However, in May 2021, he resigned from the BBC amid controversy surrounding his 1995 interview with Princess Diana. An independent investigation was launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the interview and allegations that Bashir used deceitful tactics to secure it.
Living with Michael Jackson[]
In 2003, while working at ITV, Bashir conducted a series of interviews with American singer Michael Jackson for the documentary Living with Michael Jackson, part of the Tonight with Trevor McDonald series for ITV. The documentary, which aired in 2003, was produced by Bashir and featured an in-depth interview with Michael Jackson.
The documentary attracted significant attention and controversy due to its portrayal of Michael Jackson's life, particularly his relationships with children and his eccentric lifestyle. Bashir's interview delved into Jackson's personal life, his relationships with children, and his views on various matters. The documentary sparked public debate and criticism, and Jackson later expressed feeling betrayed by Bashir's portrayal of him.
In the aftermath of the documentary, Michael Jackson faced legal challenges, including charges of child molestation. He was acquitted of all charges in a highly publicized trial in 2005. The documentary and the events surrounding it had a lasting impact on both Michael Jackson's public image and Martin Bashir's reputation.
It's worth noting that Martin Bashir faced scrutiny and controversy related to his journalistic ethics, particularly regarding the methods he used to secure interviews. In 2021, Bashir resigned from the BBC amid renewed attention on the tactics he employed to obtain his 1995 interview with Princess Diana.