Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC Over Edited January 6 Speech
Former President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the BBC, seeking up to $10 billion in damages. The suit relates to the editing of his January 6 speech featured in a Panorama broadcast, in which segments were used to imply that Trump instructed his supporters to march to the Capitol and that he would be present alongside them. The episode aired about a year after the speech and prior to the 2024 election.
The complaint cites two counts: defamation and violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, with $5 billion sought for each. The BBC has apologized for the editing, calling it an error of judgment, but maintains there is no legal basis for a defamation claim. The lawsuit proceeds in Florida, where the BBC conducts substantial business activities through its website and BritBox service, granting the court jurisdiction. Notably, the Panorama episode never aired in the United States, and BBC iPlayer and BBC One services are not available in the US.
The legal action follows recent high-profile media-related settlements involving Trump's camp, including agreements with ABC/Disney for $15 million and Paramount for $16 million. Trump presents this lawsuit as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on media outlets through litigation. The case also comes on the heels of resignations at the BBC, with director general Tim Davie and head of BBC News Deborah Turness stepping down amid controversies over coverage related to Trump, Gaza, and other issues.
