President Donald Trump has threatened to file a $1 billion lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over what he described as a “deceptively edited” documentary segment that misrepresented his speech made shortly before the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riots.
A source close to Trump’s legal team, speaking to AFP on Monday under condition of anonymity, confirmed a Fox News report that the letter sent to the BBC demanded a retraction and public apology by Friday.
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team also confirmed the letter, accusing the BBC of defamation. “The BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing its documentary in order to try and interfere in the presidential election,” the spokesperson said. “President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in lies, deception, and fake news.”
The controversy has already led to major fallout within the BBC. The broadcaster’s Director General resigned on Sunday amid growing criticism that the Panorama program deliberately edited Trump’s speech to make it appear as though he made “a direct call for violent action.”
On Monday, the BBC announced that it would “review” the legal letter and also issued an apology, acknowledging that the edited footage misrepresented Trump’s remarks.
The events in question refer to Trump’s address to supporters on January 6, 2021, hours before a mob stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
What you should know
President Donald Trump has accused the BBC of defamation, alleging it manipulated his January 6 speech to suggest he incited violence.
His legal team has threatened a $1 billion lawsuit, demanding retraction and apology. The BBC has apologized and promised a review after its Director General resigned amid the controversy.
