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Trump files $5bn lawsuit against BBC over edited speech
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamation and trade law violations over an edited version of his 6 January 2021 speech featured in a Panorama documentary.
Allegations and BBC response
Trump's legal team claims the BBC "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively" altered his speech to suggest he incited violence. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, argues the edit falsely implied Trump called for direct action during the Capitol riot.
The BBC apologised last month for the edit, which it acknowledged created a "mistaken impression" of Trump's words. However, the broadcaster denied any defamation, stating there was no legal basis for the claim.
Key differences in the edit
In the original speech, Trump told supporters: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol, and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women." Over 50 minutes later, he added: "And we fight. We fight like hell."
The Panorama documentary condensed these remarks into a single clip: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol... and I'll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell." The BBC conceded the edit could mislead viewers but maintained it did not defame Trump.
BBC's defence and internal fallout
Before the lawsuit, BBC lawyers argued the edit lacked malice and caused no harm, noting Trump was re-elected shortly after the documentary aired. They also clarified the programme was not distributed in the US, though it was available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.
The controversy triggered an internal review, leading to the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness after a leaked memo criticised the editing.
Trump's claims of US viewership
The lawsuit alleges Florida residents may have accessed the documentary via VPNs or BritBox, citing increased VPN usage in the state. It also references a third-party distributor with alleged licensing rights outside the UK, though neither the BBC nor the distributor has responded to these claims.
Political reaction
UK Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey condemned Trump's lawsuit, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to defend the BBC. "Keir Starmer needs to stand up for the BBC against Trump's outrageous legal threat and protect licence fee payers from being hit in the pocket," Davey said.
