BBC will defend a multi-billion-dollar defamation claim filed by US president Donald Trump in Florida, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to The Guardian Trump alleges the Panorama documentary spliced parts of his 6 January 2021 speech to create a false impression. His lawyers describe the edit as ‘intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively’ altering his words and seek large damages.
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A BBC spokesperson said: ‘As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case.’ The broadcaster has declined to say more while court action reports Reuters.
The BBC apologised for the edit and agreed the clip gave a ‘mistaken impression’ it showed a direct call to violence. That apology followed an internal memo that led to senior resignations at the corporation.
Trump told reporters he felt the BBC had ‘changed the words coming out of my mouth’ and that legal action was necessary. Legal experts say defamation claims face high hurdles in the United States and questions of jurisdiction and reach will be key in court.
This case will test the limits of cross-border media accountability and the protections for political speech. The BBC says it will defend its independence in court and let legal teams handle the details.
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Picture: Gallo Images / Angus MacKinnon
