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Former U.S. President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit in Florida on 15 December seeking $10 billion (about €8.5 billion) from the British public broadcaster the BBC, accusing it of publishing a deceptive video montage that altered his words.
The complaint claims damages of at least $5 billion for each of two counts: defamation and violation of a Florida law prohibiting deceptive and unfair commercial practices. Earlier, Trump had said he would ask for “between $1 and $5 billion.”
Trump told reporters, “They literally put words in my mouth,” after the BBC aired excerpts from his 6 January 2021 speech in its flagship program Panorama, edited to appear as if he were urging supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol.
The BBC’s chief, Samir Shah, sent a letter of apology to Trump but denied the defamation allegations and said the corporation will contest the suit.
In its filing, Trump’s lawyers argue that, despite the BBC’s apology, the broadcaster has shown neither genuine remorse nor implemented significant institutional reforms to prevent future journalistic abuses.
Letter of Apology
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team told AFP that the BBC “has maliciously and deceptively altered the president’s remarks to interfere blatantly in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.”
The episode has reignited debate in Britain over the public‑service model and the BBC’s claim to impartiality, a controversy that followed several other scandals at the broadcaster in recent years.
Trump has also threatened legal action against other U.S. media outlets, some of which have settled by paying “cozy sums” to end the disputes.
Since returning to power, Trump has welcomed favorable content creators and influencers to the White House while frequently disparaging traditional journalists. One of the newcomers he has hosted is the British conservative channel GB News, linked to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amount is Donald Trump seeking from the BBC?
Trump is seeking $10 billion (approximately €8.5 billion), with at least $5 billion demanded for each of the two legal counts.
What are the specific accusations in the lawsuit?
The complaint alleges defamation and a breach of Florida’s law against deceptive and unfair commercial practices, claiming the BBC’s edited video misrepresented Trump’s words.
How has the BBC responded to the allegations?
The BBC’s director, Samir Shah, sent an apology letter to Trump, denied the defamation claim, and said the corporation will fight the lawsuit. The controversy also led to the resignations of director‑general Tim Davie and news head Deborah Turness.
How should public broadcasters balance editorial independence with political pressure?
