BBC to file motion to dismiss Trump defamation lawsuit over Panorama edit, court documents show

The BBC is preparing to file a motion to dismiss Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit stemming from a 2021 Panorama documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance?”. Trump alleges defamation over the documentary’s editing of his speech on January 6th, claiming clips were spliced to portray him as inciting violence at the Capitol. He is seeking $5 billion in damages, also alleging a violation of trade practices law, and filed the lawsuits in Florida.

The BBC argues the Florida court lacks jurisdiction, the venue is improper, and Trump has failed to state a valid claim. They contend the documentary wasn’t created, produced, or broadcast in Florida and that Trump’s assertion of its availability on BritBox in the US is inaccurate. Furthermore, the BBC will argue Trump hasn’t demonstrated “actual malice” in the broadcast. The BBC has requested a halt to evidence gathering pending the court’s decision on the motion to dismiss.

The BBC previously apologized for an “error of judgement” but maintains there’s no basis for a defamation claim. The fallout from the situation led to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness. While Trump’s success in the lawsuit is considered unlikely, the BBC believes the litigation is intended to exert pressure on critics, and the legal costs and uncertainty are detrimental to the public service broadcaster.

(Source：Skynew)