PANORAMA, Disaster Deniers: Hunting the Trolls
A Response to the BBC Panorama Propaganda
Background
After the 2017 Manchester Arena bomb attack was reported, there were many anomalies and inconsistencies in the information that was available to the public. A UK researcher known online
as "UK Critical Thinker" made a series of videos which looked at many aspects of the Manchester attack.
There is much analysis in these videos which casts doubt over the official Manchester story. I will mention one piece of evidence here, the
Nick Bickerstaff mobile phone footage. In this footage Bickerstaff
films himself searching for his daughter, which he claims he filmed immediately after the explosion. The footage in his video contains very calm concert goers, walking normally and going to the bar etc. People
can be heard mimicking his high pitched squealing. At the end of his video we see a TV screen showing a live feed of the concert stage with pink and orange moving stage lights. At a few points in the video Arian Grande's voice can be heard singing
in the background. The bang/explosion occurred after the concert had finished, when Ariana Grande was no
longer on stage, and the main arena bowl lights were on and people were leaving. Therefore Nick Bickerstaffs footage was, beyond doubt, filmed before the bang/explosion. This is just one piece of evidence which
proves there was detailed foreknowledge of what was going to occur. Much other evidence exists which casts huge doubt on the veracity of the entire event. After reviewing the anomalies and looking at mainstream media reports, in 2019 and 2020 I
decided to carry out investigation into the events to try and establish what really happened. I published my findings in a book and
film. Since publishing my book and film, there has been a public inquiry. I have studied
the public inquiry, and to my knowledge the public inquiry has not provided to the public any images showing recognisable deceased people in the arena foyer, or images of any recognisable serious injury located within the arena foyer.
In my opinion the public inquiry has not shown what actually happened in the arena foyer on 22.5.2017. The public inquiry organisers carefully redacted all of the important parts of the CCTV footage which would have shown what actually happened, before they released the images into the public domain.
Contact from the BBC
In August 2022, over 2 years after publishing my book and
film, I was emailed by BBC reporter Marianna Spring who said she wanted to interview me to find out more about me,
my career and my online profile. I have included all of those emails below. In the emails I state clearly that I do not wish to be interviewed by the BBC, and state clearly the reasons why I did not want to be interviewed.
I know people who have been mislead by the BBC and mis-represented in previous BBC productions, therefore I do not trust the BBC.
Then on 30th September 2022, I received a letter from the BBC which I have reproduced below (scroll down). The letter contained a number of false allegations, for which I provide truthful replies here,
Replies to the false allegations made in the BBC's letter
1. My opinion is that to my knowledge, there has been no satisfactory evidence presented to the public which proves that the Manchester Arena incident was not staged. For example, the public inquiry produced 4,100 pdf documents
, some of which contained photographs and CCTV still images. To my knowledge, non of these photographs or still images show any recognisable deceased or seriously injured victim inside the arena foyer. To my knowledge, neither the review, nor the inquiry, nor witnesses
have produced images taken in the arena foyer, showing clearly recognisable deceased victims or clearly recognisable seriously injured victims.
2. I have followed evidence, then published details of my research and findings.
3. I have made some polite door to door enquiries in order to gather evidence, which is a perfectly legitimate activity when doing research. I did not hide cameras outside somebody's home.
4. I have not accused anyone of lying. It is my opinion that some people involved have made false statements in their media interviews. This is an opinion not an accusation. With regards the term 'crisis actor', I believe
the evidence in the Nick Bickerstaff video proves he filmed his footage before the time of the explosion/bang. Therefore I believe he was 'acting'. I believe that describing him as a 'crisis actor' is accurate.
5. I am easy to contact via my website, and to date, I have not received any direct contact, by any Manchester victim to complain about my actions. I have carried out polite enquiries which have been within the law.
6. I appealed for information from the public, from witnesses who saw what happened and from people who know people who saw what happened. This does not make me responsible for hateful messages sent by people I do not know, to anyone who may have been involved.
7. My output is concerned with seeking the truth about a variety of subjects and explaining what I discover. I have never encouraged anyone to send hateful comments or abuse. I am not responsible for what other people choose
to say or do.
8. With regards Dr Nick Kollerstrom, my response would be to simply read his books on these subjects. They are very well researched and referenced.
9. Carrying out research and producing films about subjects people wish to know about is an occupation, just as it is for a BBC or other journalist. Why would you expect anyone to work hundreds of hours for free?
10. If new evidence comes to light on any subject, an opinion or conclusion can change. My opinion on fully hoaxed fabricated terror, as opposed to fabricated terror with real deaths, is that fully hoaxed fabricated terror
has been used more frequently since around 2013, than it was before that time.
11. I am easy to contact, and I have not been contacted by any person claiming to be a survivor of a terrorist attack, to tell me I have added to their trauma.
BBC film crew visit
After receiving the BBC letter, and after explaining to the BBC that I did not wish to be interviewed, the BBC travelled to Merthyr Tydfil with a film crew. Scroll down to view the film footage of this visit.
Emails from the BBC, August / September 2022
10th August 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Dear Richard,
I hope you're well. I'm a correspondent at the BBC who investigates social media - and I am getting in touch about speaking to you for an upcoming documentary & podcast series,
which we're aiming to broadcast in a few months' time. I am interested in your videos online and the profile that you have built over several years talking about various terror
attacks, disappearances and murders, as well as UFOs and the pandemic.
I want to interview you to find out more about you, your career and your online profile. I would be keen to discuss more about this as soon as possible - would you be available
for a call at some point over the next week? I'm also very happy to come and meet you to discuss this further.
Best wishes,
Marianna
19th August 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Dear Richard,
I hope you're well. I dropped you an email, but wasn't sure whether this was the best way to contact you. I' a correspondent at the BBC who investigates social media - and
I am getting in touch about speaking to you for an upcoming documentary & podcast series, which we're aiming to broadcast in a few months' time. I am interested in your videos
online and the profile that you have built over several years talking about various terror attacks, disappearances and murders, as well as UFOs and the pandemic.
I want to interview you to find out more about you, your career and your online profile. I would be keen to discuss more about this as soon as possible - would you be available
for a call at some point over the next week? My number is 07*** ****** if you'd like to give me a call. I'm also very happy to come and meet you to discuss this further.
Best wishes,
Marianna
20th August 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
Hi,
Thanks for contacting me. Can you please send me ALL of the detailed
programme proposals / treatments for the show / shows you intend to
produce, along with the details of who has written them and which people
are devising / producing the material.
Many Thanks
Richard
8th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Thanks very much for getting back to me. This interview request is for a podcast series for Radio 4 and a documentary for BBC Panorama. We want to understand more about your videos
and work, asking questions about what you do and why. We'd like to spend some time with you in order to do that. Would you be available for a call where I can explain more? I'm available
on 07*** ******.
Thanks,
Marianna
13th September 2022
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
I wasn't sure via which route you received my last message - so thought it would be best to contact you over email and also through your website forms. Thanks very much for getting back to me. This interview request
is for a podcast series for Radio 4 and a documentary for BBC Panorama. We want to understand more about your videos and work, asking questions about what you do and why. We’d like to spend some time with you in order to do that. Would you be available for a call where I can explain more? I’m available on 07*** ******.
Thanks,
Marianna
14th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
I just wanted to follow up on this request and see if you're available for a call today? Otherwise, I could speak after 1600 tomorrow - or anytime on Friday. I'm on 07*** ******.
It would be really useful to have a conversation on the phone to share more details so that you can decide if you'd like to meet or discuss this further. I want to understand more about
what you do - and speaking to you seems to be the best way to do that.
Thanks again,
Marianna
16th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Just seeing whether a call works today? You can reach me anytime on 07*** ******.
Thanks,
Marianna
19th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Just seeing whether a call works today? You can reach me anytime on 07*** ******. Or I can answer further questions via email if you would prefer - phone just might be easiest.
Thanks,
Marianna
23rd September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
I just wanted to follow up on the messages below. There are some updates I can share with you about the podcast and Panorama documentary that I mentioned. We are planning to feature your work in both of these - and to speak to other contributors about it. We want to give you an opportunity to speak about this from your perspective and to hear your views. Our main interest is the theories you have promoted around UK terror attacks, like the Manchester Arena bombing. We are available to come and meet you whenever is convenient - and I can give you a call to explain more first if you'd prefer. I'm on 07*** ******.
Thanks,
Marianna
23rd September 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
Hello,
Sorry I cannot entertain your offer. I am fully aware of what your programme intention is, due to the past experience of people like Dr. Nick Kollerstrom, whom the BBC tricked into thinking they would air his interviews about the 7/7 London bombings. The programme makers left out all of his dialogue and only showed footage that they secretly recorded
of him without his knowledge. I have the correpsondence with the BBC and Andrew Johnson and Dr Judy Wood. This correspondence shows that the BBC did not have any intention of representing their work correctly about 9/11. The BBC has shown itself over many years to be duplicitous and it's raison d'etre is not about reporting the truth.
If you mention me or my work I insist that each time I or my work is referred to that you mention and display a prominent link to the following website URL, so that people can find the whole work and judge the whole work for themselves.
www.richplanet.net/manchester
I do not give permission to show or broadcast any of my videos, images or audio content in any of your programmes.
If you show or transmit any of my work or videos or images I will take legal advice.
Richard
23rd September 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
Hello,
If you state in your programme that I refused to take part, I insist that you include my reason why I refused to take part,
I refused to take part because I am fully aware of what your programme intention is, due to the past experience of people like Dr. Nick Kollerstrom, whom the BBC tricked into thinking they would air his interviews about the 7/7 London bombings. The programme makers left out all of his dialogue and only showed footage that they secretly recorded of him without his knowledge. I have the correpsondence with the BBC and Andrew Johnson and Dr Judy Wood. This correspondence shows that the BBC did not have any intention of representing their work correctly about 9/11. The BBC has shown itself over many years to be duplicitous and it's raison d'etre is not about reporting the truth.
Richard
26th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Thanks very much for getting back to me. I can assure you that we have no intention of tricking of you. I've got in touch to have an open and honest conversation with you. I'd appreciate the opportunity to have a chat on the phone - I'd be very happy talk to through all of your concerns. Talking to me on the phone is no commitment to choosing to take part in the programme if your view remains the same after we've chatted. I can speak whenever today or tomorrow - let me know when would be convenient for you? You can call me any time on 07*** ******.
Thanks,
Marianna
26th September 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
Hello,
You mention my "theories" and "views".
Neither of these are important in an investigation. What is important is evidence. The fact that you fail to mention evidence and merely want "theories" and "views" shows a poor journalistic intention. I'm not interested in taking part in a film about me, my views or theories. The only thing that matters is evidence. Why aren't you interested in evidence ?
Richard
26th September 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
Hello,
In my Manchester film I produced evidence (exclusive police radio communications conversations) that proves that the alleged Manchester 'bomber' left the arena after the bang, and was persued by armed response vehicles and
then arrested at gun point. Therefore there was no suicide. A real journalist would not be interested in me or my views. They would be itnerested in the evidence which proves there was no suicide. Please don't contact
me again.
Richard
27th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Thanks for getting back to me. It's the evidence which we would like to discuss for the podcast and documentary. It would be great to meet so we can talk about it properly.
We can come to meet you this week or next if there is a time that suits you? We'd welcome the opportunity to ask you questions on this.
Thanks,
Marianna
07*** ******
28th September 2022, Email from BBC
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Hi Richard,
Thanks for getting back to me. It's the evidence which we would like to discuss for the podcast and documentary. It would be great to meet so we can talk about it properly.
We can come to meet you this week or next if there is a time that suits you? We'd welcome the opportunity to ask you questions on this.
Thanks,
Marianna
07*** ******
30th September 2022
From : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
To : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
Dear Richard,
Please find attached a letter about the forthcoming BBC Panorama documentary and podcast series.
Thanks,
Marianna
07*** ******
30th September 2022, Email from RICHPLANET to BBC
From : Richard D. Hall - RICHPLANET.NET (richard@richplanet.net)
To : Marianna Spring (marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk)
The letter contains at least 7 false accusations and if you broadcast
any of these accusations I will seek legal advice.
Letter from the BBC, 30th September 2022
British Broadcasting Corporation W1 NBH 04D, BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, W1A 1AA
September 30th, 2022
Dear Mr Hall,
BBC Panorama and BBC podcasts are investigating the impact of conspiracy theories around UK terror attacks.
As part of the documentary and podcasts, we plan to look at your films that you have promoted on your website, richplanet.net, and your book, Manchester: The Night of the Bang.
I am therefore writing to invite you to respond/comment on a number of points and issues which, as a result of our investigation and research, we are considering including in our output. As our programme nears its broadcast date there may be other matters to which we will also invite your responses.
1. You have promoted theories that the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017 was staged, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary (including – but not limited to – an independent review, an inquiry, and testimony from emergency services, concert-goers, survivors, and bereaved families).
2. You have promoted these theories online, as well as in a book and DVD.
3. You have approached the homes and workplaces of some of the affected families and survivors of the Manchester Arena attack, claiming to seek evidence that they have not been injured. This includes hiding cameras outside somebody’s home.
4. You have accused some of the affected families and survivors of the Manchester Arena attack of lying, described them as ‘crisis actors’, and claimed that people did not die and were not injured in the attack.
5. These actions have caused substantial harm and distress to bereaved families and the survivors.
6. You have encouraged other people to follow your opinions of these events and conduct similar investigations, which has also directly resulted in followers sending hateful comments and abuse to victims of the Manchester terror attack.
7. Your output has contributed to a culture that encourages hateful comments and abuse to be sent to victims of UK terror attacks whenever such an attack occurs, often in the immediate aftermath.
8. In your videos you have repeatedly referenced Nicholas Kollerstrom to support your theories that terrorist attacks were faked. Mr Kollerstrom is a holocaust-denier and the author of a book Breaking the Spell, The Holocaust: Myth & Reality. The book claims that nobody was murdered in gas chambers in Auschwitz and that any deaths at the camp were due to an outbreak of disease.
9. You have profited from your theories by selling books and DVDs, including those alleging the Manchester Arena attack was staged, as well as selling merchandise, tickets to tours, and inviting donations on your website.
10. Our research suggests that you previously have dismissed the idea that terror attacks are hoaxes, and have changed your views over recent years.
11. The survivors of the terrorist attacks mentioned above say that you have added to their trauma. What is your response?
To date, you’ve declined our offer to meet or have a conversation on the phone. We would still like to talk to you and to hear your responses/comments on the above in the form of an on-camera interview. We would be grateful if you let us know if you are going to take part in an interview for the programme by 5.30pm on October 5th, 2022, in order to make appropriate arrangements for filming.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk or on this mobile +44 7*** ******.
I would appreciate it if you could acknowledge receipt of this letter.
Yours sincerely
Marianna Spring
BBC film crew visit to Merthyr Tydfil, 7th October 2022