Judge allows Trump's $10bn defamation case against BBC to proceed
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge in Florida allowed President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC to proceed, rejecting the broadcaster's request to dismiss the case, but dismissed a related claim under Florida's unfair trade practices law.
- Trump alleges the BBC's Panorama program "intentionally, maliciously and deceptively" edited his January 6, 2021 speech to falsely imply he called for violent action during the Capitol riot.
- The BBC apologized for the broadcast's misleading impression but maintains confidence in its legal position, stating the case will proceed through the proper legal channels.
- Judge Jeffrey Kuntz ruled that Trump's defamation claims were sufficient to continue but did not decide on the case's merits, leaving the question of damages and proof for trial or summary judgment.
- The judge dismissed the claim under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, ruling the documentary was not commercial speech, and noted Trump's delayed deposition due to campaign commitments.
