Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC, seeking billions of dollars in damages over the way one of his speeches was edited in a Panorama documentary.
The lawsuit, filed in a Miami federal court, centers on footage of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech.
Trump alleges the edited version made it appear he urged supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, misrepresenting his words and causing damage to his reputation.
The BBC has acknowledged the editing error and issued an apology but maintains it is not legally liable for the segment.
Trump’s legal action highlights the ongoing tension between the former president and major media outlets, as he continues to challenge how his statements and actions have been portrayed publicly.
Legal experts say the case could set a high-profile precedent in media law if it proceeds to trial, with both the interpretation of the edited footage and the responsibility of broadcasters likely to come under scrutiny.
The BBC has yet to respond formally to the lawsuit filing.
