BBC faces lawsuit over allegedly defamatory edit of Trump's speech, sparking PR crisis. Image credit: Telegraph India
(The Post News)- Donald Trump has sued the BBC for $10 billion, alleging defamation and unfair trade practices over an edited clip of his January 6, 2021, speech that made it appear he directed supporters to storm the US Capitol. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, claims the BBC’s editing was “false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious”.
Panorama Documentary
The disputed clip, featured on the BBC’s “Panorama” documentary, spliced together parts of Trump’s speech, omitting a section where he called for peaceful protest. The BBC has apologized, admitting an “error of judgment,” but says it will defend the case, stating there’s no legal basis for the lawsuit.
Trump’s lawsuit alleges the BBC’s actions caused him “overwhelming reputational and financial harm” and were an attempt to interfere with the 2024 presidential election. The BBC’s funding through a mandatory TV license fee could make any payout to Trump “politically fraught”.
Image credit: Kenya Star.
The lawsuit has sparked a public relations crisis for the BBC, leading to the resignations of its two most senior bosses. Critics and rivals have seized on the issue, objecting to the BBC’s perceived liberal stance and funding model.
To succeed, Trump must prove the BBC knowingly misled viewers or acted recklessly, overcoming US Constitution protections for free speech and press. The BBC may argue the documentary was substantially true and didn’t damage Trump’s reputation.
Trump’s With The Media Lawsuit
This isn’t Trump’s first media lawsuit; he’s sued other outlets, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, which have denied wrongdoing. CBS and ABC settled with Trump after his 2024 election win.
The BBC’s “Panorama” documentary was available in the US via BritBox and distributed in North America by Blue Ant Media. The edit sparked concerns about political bias at the broadcaster.
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