In a dramatic legal escalation, former President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and its late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel. The legal action, filed in a Florida state court, centres on a contentious 2022 interview that has resurfaced, sparking a fierce battle over copyright and personal reputation.
The Heart of the Legal Dispute
The controversy stems from a sit-down conversation Trump granted to Kimmel during his presidency. According to the lawsuit, this interview was conducted under a strict "one-time only" broadcast agreement. However, Trump's legal team alleges that ABC flagrantly violated this agreement by re-editing and re-airing segments of the interview in a subsequent promotional special titled "The Lost Kimmel Tapes."
The suit claims this unauthorised use constitutes misappropriation of likeness and copyright infringement, arguing it was done to capitalise commercially on Trump's name and image without consent or compensation.
A Demand for Damages and Accountability
The former President is seeking significant financial restitution. The lawsuit specifies a demand for at least $430,400 in "actual and compensatory damages," a figure his legal counsel asserts represents the fair market value of a similar licensing fee. Beyond the monetary claim, the action aims to secure a permanent injunction, legally barring ABC from any further use of the interview footage.
This legal manoeuvre highlights Trump's increasingly aggressive stance towards media outlets he perceives as hostile. The filing characterises the defendants' actions as "wilful, malicious, and fraudulent," suggesting a deliberate attempt to misuse his persona.
Broader Implications for Media and Public Figures
This case throws a spotlight on the complex legal agreements that govern interviews with high-profile figures. The outcome could set a notable precedent for how broadcast rights are interpreted and enforced, particularly concerning content featuring politicians and celebrities.
As of now, representatives for ABC and Jimmy Kimmel have not issued a public statement regarding the litigation. The media world will be watching closely as this legal drama, pitting a powerful former president against a major television network, unfolds in the courts.
