US President Trump Files $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against BBC

US President Donald Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC in a Miami federal court on December 15, 2025, seeking $10 billion (≈ ₹83,000 crore) in damages over a Panorama documentary aired ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The lawsuit seeks $5 billion (≈ ₹41,500 crore) each for defamation and alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, naming BBC and BBC Studios Productions as defendants. Trump is represented by attorneys Alejandro Brito, Edward Paltzik, and Daniel Epstein.

Trump alleges the documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance,” falsely edited his January 6, 2021 speech to suggest he urged supporters to storm the US Capitol. The suit claims the BBC combined remarks made nearly 55 minutes apart, creating a misleading and defamatory narrative.

The complaint further accuses the broadcaster of deliberately interfering in the 2024 election through deceptive editing practices. The BBC has acknowledged an “error of judgment,” removed the documentary from all platforms, and saw its director general and head of news resign following the controversy.

However, while expressing regret over the editing, the BBC denies defaming Trump, calling the lawsuit unfounded. Trump’s legal team says the case seeks to hold the broadcaster accountable for what it describes as reckless election interference.