Trump’s legal team claims the documentary deliberately misrepresented his words
The United States President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), accusing the global media organisation of defamation and what he described as a long-running pattern of “serial fake news.”
According to reports, the lawsuit was filed in a Florida federal court, where the U.S president is seeking $5 billion in defamation damages and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The legal action stems from a BBC Panorama documentary that examined Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump alleges that the broadcaster selectively edited his speech, omitting remarks where he urged supporters to protest peacefully while portraying him as directly inciting violence.
Trump’s legal team claims the documentary deliberately misrepresented his words, damaged his reputation globally, and caused significant political and financial harm. The lawsuit accuses the BBC of acting with malice and reckless disregard for the truth.
In response, the BBC has reportedly acknowledged errors in the editing of the documentary and issued an apology, describing the incident as a lapse in editorial judgment. However, the broadcaster has denied any intent to defame Trump and maintains that its journalism was carried out in the public interest.
Legal analysts say the case could face jurisdictional challenges, as the documentary was produced and aired in the United Kingdom. Trump’s lawyers argue that the programme was accessible to U.S. audiences through international streaming platforms, giving American courts the authority to hear the case.
The lawsuit marks the latest chapter in the U.S president long-running confrontations with major media organisations, which he frequently accuses of biased and misleading reporting. Observers say the case could have far-reaching implications for international media accountability and press freedom.
As of the time of filing, the BBC has not announced whether it will seek to have the case dismissed.
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