US President Donald Trump has decided to file a damage suit against the BBC for at least $1 billion. Trump announced this after the broadcaster admitted to misleadingly editing his 2021 speech delivered on the day of the US Capitol riot which damaged the reputation of Trump and created anarchy.
The dispute erupted after the BBC acknowledged that its Panorama documentary misrepresented Trump’s remarks. The broadcaster said the editing was an “error of judgment” that gave a “misleading impression” and apologised publicly.
In a letter sent by Trump’s lawyers, the BBC was given until November 14 to retract the documentary or face a lawsuit for defamation under Florida law. The letter alleges that the BBC spliced two excerpts to make Trump appear to incite violence during the January 6, 2021 incident.
Leadership resignations shake BBC
The controversy triggered a major crisis at the corporation, leading to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and BBC News Chief Executive Deborah Turness. Both accepted responsibility for what they described as a “serious lapse in judgment.”
A leaked internal report, compiled by former standards adviser Michael Prescott, accused the BBC of editorial bias in its coverage of Trump, the Israel-Gaza war, and transgender issues.
Trump reacts and BBC defends itself
Trump celebrated the resignations, calling the executives “very dishonest people” who tried to “influence a US election.” His legal team claimed the BBC “deliberately omitted facts” to distort his message.
Earlier, BBC chief Samir Shah pointed out that the corporation is examining the legal notice and also vowed to defend its commitment to neutral journalism. The BBC confession of doctoring Trump’s video and resignations of two bosses of the media giant have shocked the people globally.
