The BBC announced on Monday that it will file a motion to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British broadcaster in a federal court in Florida.
In court papers, the BBC argues the Florida court lacks personal jurisdiction over the corporation, as the documentary in question—a "Panorama" program—was not broadcast in the U.S. or Florida. It also contends Trump has failed to state a valid claim, cannot prove the editing caused him actual harm—pointing out he was re-elected afterward and won Florida decisively—and cannot show the required "actual malice" under U.S. defamation law for public figures.
The lawsuit, filed last month, stems from the BBC's 2024 documentary that included spliced clips from Trump's January 6, 2021, speech near the White House. Trump claims the editing falsely portrayed him as directly inciting violence by combining phrases like urging supporters to march to the Capitol with "fight like hell," while omitting a call for peaceful protest. (The BBC previously apologized for the edit, saying it created a "mistaken impression" of a direct call for violent action but maintained no basis exists for defamation.)
A BBC spokesperson reiterated the broadcaster's position from last month, stating it "will be defending this case" and would not comment further on ongoing proceedings.
Trump's legal team responded forcefully, declaring: “The BBC is liable to President Trump for intentionally and maliciously defaming him by distorting and manipulating his speech. No amount of attempted legal maneuvers can change that fact. President Trump will continue to hold accountable the BBC and all those who traffic in fake news.”
The motion seeks to pause pre-trial discovery until resolved; if denied, a trial could occur in 2027. This marks another high-profile media legal challenge for Trump since his re-election.