By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Trump Moves to Sue BBC for $1 Billion Over Edited Speech
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), demanding $1 billion in damages over claims that the broadcaster edited his speech ahead of the 2021 Capitol riots in a misleading manner.
A source close to Trump’s legal team confirmed on Monday that a letter was sent to the BBC, giving the network until Friday to retract the broadcast and issue a public apology.
The letter accuses the BBC of intentionally distorting Trump’s remarks to “defame” him and influence political opinion.
“The BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing its documentary to interfere in the presidential election,” a spokesman for Trump’s team said in a statement.
“President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who spread lies and fake news.”
The controversy comes after the BBC’s Director General resigned on Sunday following backlash over the Panorama documentary, which allegedly portrayed Trump’s 2021 address as a direct call for violence.
In response, the BBC said it would review the complaint and expressed regret over the edit, acknowledging that it may have wrongly suggested Trump encouraged violent action during the January 6 Capitol riot.
The unrest at the U.S. Capitol occurred as Trump supporters attempted to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.
The broadcaster is yet to make further public comment as its legal and editorial teams assess the matter.
About The Author
Leave a comment