Trump Demands $10 Billion from BBC
Former U.S. President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Monday, demanding compensation of no less than $10 billion, accusing the network of defamation through the editing of a misleading video clip.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida, seeks “no less than $5 billion” in damages for both defamation and violation of a law regarding deceptive and unfair business practices.
The BBC had previously issued an apology for editing a speech by Trump, giving the impression in a documentary that he called for “violent action” just before his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
On Monday, Trump stated that the BBC misrepresented what he said.
A few weeks ago, Trump announced his intention to sue the BBC, seeking compensation “between $1 billion and $5 billion.”
The network has been facing turmoil since the altered clip aired on its flagship news program “Panorama,” again before the 2024 presidential elections.
Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC, sent a “personal message” to the White House, including the network’s apology; however, it seems the initiative failed to quell the anger of the 79-year-old president.
A spokesperson for Trump’s attorney told Agence France-Presse on Monday: “The BBC, once a respected organization and now lacking credibility, has tarnished President Trump’s reputation by deliberately altering his speech in a malicious and deceptive manner with a clear intent to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.”
He added: “The BBC has a long history of misleading its audience in its coverage of President Trump, serving its leftist political agenda.”
