Martin Bashir

In 2003, Bashir conducted a series of interviews with pop singer Michael Jackson, as part of an ITV documentary Living with Michael Jackson, which Uri Geller, a friend of Jackson's, had arranged. Following the broadcast, which was viewed by 14 million in the UK and 38 million in the US, Jackson complained to the Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Commission, accusing Bashir of yellow journalism. In response, Jackson and his personal cameraman released a rebuttal interview, which showed Bashir complimenting Jackson for the "spiritual" quality of the Neverland Ranch.

After Jackson's death in 2009, Dieter Wiesner, the pop star's manager from 1996 to 2003, said of Bashir's documentary:

It broke [Jackson]. It killed him. He took a long time to die, but it started that night. Previously the drugs were a crutch, but after that they became a necessity.[10]

Bashir later said during ABC's coverage of Jackson's death:

I think all of us were shocked and deeply saddened by the news today. I was actually out running in Central Park when I heard and came home, showered and came into the office. Many of us were excited about the prospect of him performing in London, thousands of people had bought tickets from all over the world and now to hear this news is very, very sad. I think it's worth remembering he was probably, singly, the greatest dancer and musician the world has ever seen. Certainly, when I made the documentary, there was a small part of that which contained a controversy concerning his relationship with other young people. But the truth is that he was never convicted of any crime, I never saw any wrongdoing myself and whilst his lifestyle may have been a bit unorthodox, I don't believe it was criminal and I think the world has now lost the greatest entertainer it's probably ever known.[11]

In 2008, while working as a reporter for Nightline, Bashir was suspended from ABC News after making remarks described as "crude and sexist" during a dinner speech at the Asian American Journalists Association convention in Chicago.[1][12] During the speech, he stated, "I'm happy to be in the midst of so many Asian babes. I'm happy that the podium covers me from the waist down."[12] He continued and said that a speech should be "like a dress on a beautiful woman – long enough to cover the important parts and short enough to keep your interest – like my colleague Juju's,"[12] referring to Bashir's ABC News colleague Juju Chang, a reporter for 20/20.[12] ABC News suspended him.[12] He wrote an apology to the journalist association which stated, "Upon reflection, it was a tasteless remark that I now bitterly regret. I … hope that the continuing work of the organization will not be harmed or undermined by my moment of stupidity."[12]

On 15 November 2013, Bashir criticized Sarah Palin for comments that she made comparing the U.S. national debt to slavery.[13] Bashir attempted to counter Palin's comparison by referencing the punishment of slaves described by slave overseer Thomas Thistlewood, specifically a punishment called "Derby's dose" which involved forcing slaves to defecate or urinate into the mouth of another slave as punishment. Bashir then concluded by saying "if anyone truly qualified for a dose of discipline from Thomas Thistlewood, she would be the outstanding candidate."[14][15]

Bashir apologized on 18 November, stating among other things: "My words were wholly unacceptable. They were neither accurate, nor fair. They were unworthy of anyone who would claim to have an interest in politics."[15][16] On 2 December, Bashir was suspended by the network and then resigned two days later.[2][15][17][18] He issued a statement upon his resignation that said, "I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers."[2][19] As of January, 2017, he is the Religion Editor for the BBC.

Bashir enjoys playing bass guitar.[20] He released a reggae album, Bass Lion, on 26 October 2010.[21] In October 2019, he began competing in The X Factor: Celebrity.[22]