Donald Trump has blasted the BBC over its decision to show a documentary documenting the development of his controversial golf course at Menie.

It has been reported that the US billionaire attempted to stop the Beeb from airing the documentary, calling it a "highly biased and manipulative so-called documentary."

'You've Been Trumped' was screened on BBC2 on Sunday night and was described as an "examination of Donald Trump's plans to construct a luxury golf resort on one of the most environmentally sensitive stretches of land in Europe."

It was co-created by director Anthony Baxter.

Sarah Malone, the executive vice-president of Trump International Golf Links said: "We totally denounce the BBC for further abandoning its own editorial integrity by blatantly refusing us a right of reply at the end of the broadcast last night.


"It just goes to show recent criticism of the BBC's lack of sound editorial judgment to be correct. It is not a documentary – it is a piece of propaganda that is wildly inaccurate, defamatory and deliberately misleading."

The BBC has defended its decision, saying: "You've Been Trumped is an award-winning film that has been screened at international festivals around the world.”

Claims of the BBC’s underhandedness in airing the documentary have been somewhat discredited. The BBC said: "During the making of the film, Donald Trump declined the opportunity to take part. We are confident that Donald Trump was offered sufficient right to reply in accordance with BBC editorial guidelines. Donald Trump chose not to participate but the film-maker took care to reflect his views on a number of different occasions in the film.

"In addition, Donald Trump was offered the chance to be interviewed live on the BBC following the BBC2 broadcast. He has not taken up our invitation."

(IT)