Martin Bashir is a British former journalist whose career spanned high-profile interviews, major broadcasting roles, and intense controversy, most notably his 1995 BBC interview with Princess Diana that was later found to have been secured through deceptive means. Born in London to Pakistani immigrant parents, Bashir rose from humble beginnings to international notoriety, only to see his reputation marred by scandal towards the end of his professional life.
Early Life and Background
Martin Henry Bashir was born on January 19, 1963, in Wandsworth, London. His parents were Pakistani immigrants. His father served in the Royal Navy during WWII. Raised in a Liberal Muslim household, Bashir later converted to Christianity in his teens. He attended the boys’ state comprehensive Wandsworth School and studied English and History at King Alfred’s College (later the University of Winchester) from 1982 to 1985. He completed a master’s degree in theology at King’s College London.
Martin Bashir was one of five children. He experienced tragedy early in life, losing his brother to muscular dystrophy in 1991, an event that shaped his outlook and personal drive.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Henry Bashir |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1963 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $7 million (£5 million) |
| Salary (BBC) | Reported £100,000/year (recent), ITV’s past salary was £300,000/year |
| Family | Married to Deborah Bashir; 3 children (Samuel, Phoebe, Eliza) |
| Spouse Occupation | Deborah is private; reportedly co-owner of Panoramic Productions, Ltd. |
| Education | King Alfred’s College (University of Winchester), King’s College London (MA Theology) |
| Ethnic Background | British, of Pakistani descent |
| Career Start | 1986 (BBC) |
| Major Career Roles | BBC: Songs of Praise, Panorama; ITV: Tonight; ABC: Nightline; MSNBC: Anchor |
| Major Interviews | Princess Diana (1995), Michael Jackson (2003), Louise Woodward, and Stephen Lawrence suspects |
| Awards | BAFTA TV Award, Royal Television Society’s Journalist of the Year (1996) |
| Key Achievement | Landmark interview: Princess Diana (watched by ~22 million UK viewers) |
| Major Controversy | Secured Diana interview through deception; subject of BBC inquiry and Dyson report |
| Recent Activity | Religious Affairs Correspondent for BBC until resignation in 2021 (health reasons) |
| Notable Projects | “Living with Michael Jackson” documentary; anchor/host roles in UK and US television |
| Home | Family home near Regent’s Park, London |
Family Life
Martin Bashir is married to Deborah Bashir, who has maintained a private and supportive role throughout his career and the subsequent controversies. Some sources suggest she may have worked as a health visitor for the NHS, though this has not been independently confirmed. The Bashirs are known to have three children, and Martin has publicly credited his family for their unwavering support during periods of personal and professional turbulence.
Journalism Career and Notable Work
Martin Bashir began his journalism career in 1986 as a sports journalist at the BBC. He quickly made his mark working on flagship programs such as Songs of Praise, Public Eye, and Panorama.
The Princess Diana Interview
Martin Bashir’s most famous and infamous work was the 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana. This interview brought Diana’s private struggles and royal tensions into public view, drawing an audience of over 22 million in the UK, and won Bashir the BAFTA Award and Royal Television Society’s Journalist of the Year in 1996. However, the way Bashir obtained the interview was later exposed as fraudulent; he presented Earl Spencer (Diana’s brother) with forged documents to gain Diana’s trust and access.
Michael Jackson Documentary
In 2003, Martin Bashir conducted the documentary “Living with Michael Jackson,” trailing the pop star for eight months. The program exposed Jackson’s private life and provoked global discussion, but earned backlash from Jackson and his fans, who accused Bashir of sensationalism.
Other High-Profile Interviews
Martin Bashir’s journalism portfolio further includes interviews with:
- Louise Woodward (after her release from a US prison)
- The five suspects in the Stephen Lawrence case
- Disgraced politician Lord Archer
- Tony Martin, the farmer jailed for killing a burglar
- Footballer George Best
- Charles Ingram (“Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” scandal)
- Victor Conte (BALCO doping scandal)
- Michael Barrymore
International Broadcasting Roles
After moving to ITV in 1999, Bashir continued with documentaries and special programs. In 2004, he relocated to New York and became a co-anchor for ABC’s Nightline. Later, he joined MSNBC as a host and commentator, and also reported for NBC’s Dateline NBC. He had a notable presence in American television until 2013, when he resigned from MSNBC following controversial remarks about Sarah Palin.
Achievements and Awards
Martin Bashir received substantial recognition during his career, especially for the Princess Diana interview:
- BAFTA TV Award (1996) for Panorama
- Royal Television Society’s Journalist of the Year (1996)
- BBC’s International Journalist of the Year (1998)
Bashir also won additional awards for other documentary work, including the Michael Jackson interview and “Major Fraud” documentary, which received significant viewership.
Controversies and Scandals
The most significant controversy surrounding Martin Bashir is linked to his 1995 interview with Princess Diana. Multiple investigations revealed that Bashir had used forged bank statements and misleading information to gain Diana’s trust and secure the interview. This was confirmed by the 2021 Lord Dyson Inquiry, which found Bashir “acted inappropriately and in serious breach” of journalistic guidelines.
Martin Bashir continually denied malicious intent, attributing criticism to “professional jealousy” within the BBC and discrimination based on his working-class, non-white background. In emails released by the BBC, he asserted that class and race played a role in how the scandal was interpreted.
Other controversies include:
- Editing a video clip related to the Sandy Hook shooting, leading to accusations of misleading journalism
- Inappropriate comments made during a 2008 speech led to a temporary suspension from ABC News
- The 2013 comments about Sarah Palin, which resulted in his resignation from MSNBC
- Accusations of sensationalism regarding the Michael Jackson documentary
Later Career and Health Issues
After leaving American media, Bashir returned to the BBC in 2016 as a religious affairs correspondent. He remained in this role until 2021, when he resigned citing health reasons. His departure coincided with the release of the Dyson inquiry report into his conduct concerning the Princess Diana interview.
Recent News
- In January 2024, thousands of emails relating to Bashir’s Diana interview were released by the BBC, highlighting ongoing debate about the corporation’s internal handling of the scandal.
- In 2021, the BBC returned Bashir’s BAFTA award following the findings of the Dyson inquiry.
- Books and documentaries continue to be released re-examining the events and the ethics involved in Bashir’s reporting, including new revelations up to November 2025.
Legacy and Impact
Martin Bashir’s legacy is complex; he was once seen as a talented and driven journalist who earned global exclusives, but his reputation is now stained by ethical breaches. His investigative style brought major stories to public attention, but also raised questions about journalistic integrity and the responsibility of media figures when dealing with vulnerable subjects. His interviews, particularly with Diana and Michael Jackson, remain pivotal moments in media history, studied both for their content and the controversies they generated.
FAQs About Martin Bashir
Who is Martin Bashir?
Martin Bashir is a British former journalist best known for his BBC interview with Princess Diana in 1995 and his documentary covering Michael Jackson in 2003.
How did Martin Bashir get the Princess Diana interview?
He used forged documents and misleading information to gain Diana’s trust, a breach confirmed by multiple inquiries, including the 2021 Dyson report.
What awards did Martin Bashir win?
Bashir was awarded the BAFTA TV Award and Royal Television Society Journalist of the Year for his work on the Diana interview in 1996, among other industry accolades.
Who is Martin Bashir’s family?
He is married to Deborah Bashir, who maintains a private life, and they have three children.
What controversies is he known for?
Principal controversies include the unethical securing of the Diana interview, comments about Sarah Palin, sensationalism in the Michael Jackson documentary, and alleged misleading edits of broadcast footage.
What is Martin Bashir doing now?
He resigned from the BBC in 2021 due to health concerns and has retreated from public life in the wake of renewed criticism over his journalistic methods.
What lasting impact did Bashir’s work have?
His career has served as a cautionary tale for journalistic ethics. His interviews with Diana and Jackson remain benchmarks for both impactful journalism and professional misconduct.
