The BBC is preparing to file a legal motion seeking the dismissal of a $10 billion defamation lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump, according to newly filed court documents.
The lawsuit centers on editorial decisions related to an episode of the BBC’s investigative program Panorama, which aired in 2024 and later drew criticism for the way it portrayed Trump’s remarks ahead of the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
In the episode, edited footage of Trump’s speech from January 6 was used to suggest that he encouraged supporters to march on the Capitol. The segment included a clip in which Trump appeared to say that he would go to the Capitol with his supporters and that they would “fight fiercely”.
Trump is seeking up to $10 billion in damages, arguing that the edited version of the speech was misleading, factually inaccurate and harmful to his reputation. His legal team claims the program distorted his words and falsely implied direct incitement.
In its filing, the BBC said it intends to ask the court to dismiss the case on several grounds. These include the argument that a Florida court does not have personal jurisdiction over the broadcaster, that Florida is an improper venue for the case, and that Trump has failed to present a legally valid defamation claim.
The BBC also maintains that it did not create, produce or broadcast the documentary in Florida, and disputes Trump’s claim that the program was made available in the United States through the BritBox streaming service. The broadcaster further argues that Trump has not provided sufficient evidence of “actual malice”, a key legal standard that public officials must meet to succeed in defamation cases under US law.
In addition, the BBC has requested that the court suspend all discovery procedures, which involve the exchange of evidence between parties, until a decision is reached on the motion to dismiss. If the case proceeds, a trial date in 2027 has been proposed.
The legal challenge represents one of the largest defamation claims ever filed against an international media organization and comes amid heightened scrutiny of media coverage related to the events surrounding January 6.
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