BBC will ask a U.S. court to dismiss former President Donald Trump’s $5 billion defamation lawsuit, filed over a controversial edited video of his speech, according to court documents.
Trump filed the suit in Florida in December, accusing the British public broadcaster of defamation and violating trade practice laws, and seeking $5 billion (approx. €5.7 billion) in damages and interest for each claim.
The dispute stems from BBC’s “Panorama” broadcast ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, which aired segments of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. The footage was edited in a way that appeared to show Trump inciting his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol.
In court filings submitted Monday, BBC lawyers argued they will seek dismissal based on the lack of personal jurisdiction of the federal court in Miami, where Trump resides. They have until March 17 to file the motion.
The broadcaster also contends that Trump cannot demonstrate legal harm from the documentary, which aired outside the United States. They noted that Trump was reelected on November 5, 2024, winning Florida by 13 points, improving his previous performances in 2016 and 2020, suggesting the claims lack merit.
BBC executive Samir Shah had sent a letter of apology to Trump, but it did not resolve the dispute. Shah has stated that the broadcaster is determined to contest any defamation claims.
