The infamous Prince Andrew Newsnight interview has reportedly caused a falling out between journalist Emily Maitlis and ex Newsnight producer Sam McAlister. The tension between the two stems from Emily not acknowledging Sam’s role in securing the interview with the prince. The tension between the two came to a head at a party before Christmas, where Emily allegedly snubbed Sam, causing palpable tension in the room. Both women have films based on the interview out on rival streamers, with Sam’s film Scoop based on her book, and Emily producing A Very Royal Scandal starring Michael Sheen as the prince on Amazon.
Sam has accused Emily of failing to properly acknowledge her pivotal role in securing the infamous interview with Prince Andrew. There was backlash from former BBC colleagues after Sam’s book was published, with accusations that she was attempting to steal all the glory. The dispute stemmed from an interview Emily and former Newsnight editor Esme Wren gave to Radio Times, where Sam was not mentioned, despite being instrumental in securing the interview. This led to Sam leaving the BBC to go freelance and champion behind-the-scenes production staff.
The Newsnight interview was a history-making moment that brought an abrupt halt to Prince Andrew’s royal career. Despite internal disappointment at the BBC for exposing their journalistic practices, Sam continues to discuss her experience working on the interview, calling it an extraordinary situation for an ordinary woman. Sam described the challenges of securing the interview, including dealing with a palace for a year before finally meeting Prince Andrew face to face at Buckingham Palace. She praised Emily and Stuart for their roles in the interview process and recounted the curveball of Prince Andrew bringing his daughter, Princess Beatrice, to the interview.
After the interview, Prince Andrew faced ridicule for his responses to questions about his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Sam believes that Andrew’s lack of accountability and misperception of his abilities led to the interview’s disastrous outcome. Since the fallout, Andrew has been stripped of his military titles and peerages and essentially retired from royal duties. Sam has depicted Andrew as profoundly sad in the aftermath of the interview but commended actor Rufus Sewell for capturing the energy and charisma of the Duke of York in the Netflix drama, Scoop. Despite reports of enmity between Sam and Emily, Sam wishes Emily happiness and success and reflects on the lack of recognition for her role in securing the interview.
