Trump Sues BBC Over His Speech Edit, Seeks Up To $10 Billion

 US President Donald Trump sued the BBC for defamation on Monday, accusing the British broadcaster of misleading viewers by editing a speech he delivered on January 6, 2021, ahead of the US Capitol attack, according to Reuters.

As per the lawsuit filed in a Miami federal court, Trump claims the BBC edited clips of his speech in a way that made it appear he encouraged violence.

Also, read| US House Of Representatives Introduces Resolution To End Trump’s India Tariffs

The edited footage included his call to supporters to march to the Capitol and the phrase “fight like hell,” but left out his appeal for a peaceful protest.

According to Reuters, Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages, demanding $5 billion on each of two legal counts, including defamation and violation of Florida’s unfair trade practices law.

Also, read| US Designates ‘Fentanyl’ Under Nuclear, Chemical, And Biological Weapons Category

The BBC has apologised and admitted an error of judgment, saying the edit created a mistaken impression. However, the broadcaster maintains there is no legal basis for the lawsuit, reported Reuters.

The controversy began after theclip aired on the BBC’s Panorama documentary shortly before the 2024 US presidential election.

The incident triggered a major internal crisis at the BBC, leading to the resignation of two senior officials. The documentary has since been pulled and will not be rebroadcast.

Trump’s legal team says the edit caused serious reputational and financial harm. Legal experts note Trump will need to prove the BBC knowingly misled viewers to succeed under US law.

The BBC has declined to Reuters’ request for further comments.