The BBC has announced its intention to defend itself against a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Miami, alleges that the British broadcaster edited a 2021 speech by Trump in a way that made it appear he was urging his supporters to attack the US Capitol. The edited video was featured in a documentary that aired on the BBC’s “Panorama” program ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
According to the lawsuit, the BBC’s actions were a “brazen attempt to interfere in and influence the Election’s outcome” and caused Trump “substantial harm and damage.” The lawsuit seeks damages of at least $5 billion for each of two counts of defamation and violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The BBC has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it will “defend this case” and has made it clear that it stands by its reporting. The broadcaster’s chairman, Samir Shah, has apologized to Trump for the mistake, acknowledging that the edited clip was “fabricated” and should not have been aired.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by Trump against media companies in recent years. The case comes as the UK government has launched a review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, which outlines the corporation’s funding and governance structure. The review includes a public consultation on issues such as the role of accuracy in the BBC’s mission and potential reforms to its funding model.
The UK government has expressed its support for the BBC, with Minister Stephen Kinnock stating that the government is a “massive supporter” of the broadcaster. Kinnock also noted that the BBC has been clear that there is no case to answer in terms of Trump’s accusations of libel or defamation.
The case has sparked a wider debate about the role of media in reporting on public figures and the potential consequences of editing or manipulating footage. The outcome of the lawsuit is likely to have significant implications for the BBC and other media organizations, and will be closely watched by journalists and media experts around the world.