The BBC has filed court papers asking a Florida judge to throw out Donald Trump's $10bn defamation lawsuit over the editing of a speech broadcast on Panorama. The broadcaster argues that the court lacks personal jurisdiction over it, that the venue is improper, and that the US president has failed to state a claim.
The legal action stems from a 2024 episode of the investigative programme that spliced together parts of Mr Trump's address on 6 January 2021, making it appear he urged supporters to storm the Capitol. The BBC has previously admitted an 'error of judgment' and apologised, but insists there is no basis for a defamation claim.
In its motion, the BBC contends it did not create, produce, or broadcast the documentary in Florida, and that Mr Trump's assertion it was available in the US on BritBox is false. The broadcaster also argues that the president has not plausibly alleged 'actual malice', a legal requirement for public officials in US defamation cases.
The BBC has asked for all discovery to be stayed while the motion is considered, warning that Mr Trump may seek broad evidence covering its entire coverage of him over the past decade. A trial date of 2027 has been proposed if the case continues.
The lawsuit seeks $5bn in damages for each of two counts: defamation and violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The controversy led to the resignation last month of BBC director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness.
Mr Trump has recently secured settlements with ABC and CBS over separate defamation cases. A BBC spokesperson said: 'As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings.'
