“Trump Hits BBC With $10 Billion Defamation Claim Over Jan. 6 Speech Edit”

Donald Trump has launched a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation after a documentary spliced together parts of his January 6, 2021 speech. The suit, filed in a Miami federal court, claims the BBC “intentionally and maliciously” edited the footage to suggest he urged supporters to storm the Capitol just weeks before the 2024 election. Trump’s legal team argues the manipulation was a deliberate attempt to sway voters and damage his reputation.

The BBC has rejected the accusations, saying the edit was an “error of judgment” and not a deliberate misrepresentation. An internal memo later leaked, prompting the broadcaster to issue a public apology and triggering the resignations of several senior executives, including the director‑general and the head of news.

Legal experts note that, as a public figure, Trump must meet a high bar to prove defamation under U.S. law, requiring evidence that the BBC knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The case also raises questions about jurisdiction, since the BBC’s primary operations are in the UK but it conducts substantial business in Florida through its digital platforms.

The lawsuit adds to a series of media disputes Trump has pursued in recent years, with previous settlements against networks such as CBS and ABC. Whether the BBC can successfully defend against the claim remains to be seen, but the case underscores the ongoing tension between the former president and global news organisations.