Former US President Donald Trump has announced he will file a major libel lawsuit against the BBC within the next 24 hours, following a protracted dispute over the broadcaster's editing of a speech he made on January 6, 2021.
The Core of the Dispute: A 'Doctored' Speech
Trump stated he would initiate legal proceedings 'probably this afternoon or tomorrow evening', targeting the corporation for a Panorama documentary that spliced sections of his address on the day his supporters stormed the US Capitol. He accused the BBC of 'putting words in my mouth' and suggested artificial intelligence may have been used to alter the footage.
The controversy stems from an edit in the October 2024 Panorama programme which combined excerpts from different parts of Trump's speech. The BBC later admitted this edit 'unintentionally created the impression' it was showing a continuous section, mistakenly implying Trump made a direct call for violent action. In a separate incident, BBC Newsnight was also accused of doctoring footage from the same speech.
Apologies Offered, Demands Rejected
In November, BBC Chairman Samir Shah sent a personal apology to Trump, calling the editing an 'error of judgment'. However, the corporation firmly rejected the former president's demands for a full retraction, a 'grovelling apology', and financial compensation, stating there was no legal basis for a defamation claim.
Following this refusal, Trump escalated his rhetoric. In a fiery interview with GB News last month, he claimed he had an 'obligation' to sue, calling the edit 'so egregious'. He warned that failing to take action would allow similar incidents to happen to others.
Multi-Billion Pound Lawsuit and Fallout
Trump has publicly stated his intention to seek damages ranging from £760 million to £3.8 billion. He confirmed his plans to journalists outside the White House on November 14, remarking, 'I think I have to do it.' The BBC's legal team has already sent a detailed letter outlining five reasons why they believe the case has no merit, including that the documentary was aimed at a UK audience and caused Trump no tangible harm.
The scandal has had significant internal consequences for the BBC. Both Director General Tim Davie and Head of BBC News Deborah Turness resigned on November 9. The Panorama programme in question will 'not be broadcast again in this form' on any BBC platforms. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy subsequently criticised the corporation's editorial standards, stating they were 'not robust enough'.
As the 24-hour deadline looms, the stage is set for a costly and high-profile legal battle between a former US president and Britain's public service broadcaster.
