Overview
- Trump filed the case on Dec. 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleging defamation tied to an edited broadcast of his speech.
- The complaint seeks $5 billion for defamation and $5 billion under Florida’s law on unfair trade practices, according to news reports on the filing.
- The BBC said it will contest the lawsuit and declined further comment, having earlier issued a written apology to Trump but rejecting compensation.
- The documentary at issue aired last year and drew criticism for edits that were seen as implying Trump incited the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack, prompting resignations by chair Tim Davie and the head of news.
- Separately, the UK government announced a review of the BBC’s Royal Charter on Dec. 16, and Trump later delivered a televised national address on Dec. 17 highlighting his administration’s achievements.