```Mr Sweeney is heard saying "one of my political heroes is the former head of the IRA Martin McGuinness", which the BBC says was taken out of context as Mr Sweeney was referencing Mr McGuinness's role in the peace process.
Mr McGuinness, who, as a prominent Sinn Fein politician, became Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, had acknowledged he was a member of the IRA. He died in 2017.
Mr Sweeney was also recorded making remarks which Tommy Robinson has described as racist, homophobic and anti-working class.
In response, a BBC spokeswoman said: "The BBC strongly rejects any suggestion that our journalism is 'faked' or biased.
"Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC's strict editorial guidelines.
"Some of the footage which has been released was recorded without our knowledge during this investigation and John Sweeney made some offensive and inappropriate remarks, for which he apologises. BBC Panorama's investigation will continue."```
