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Trump Claims Victory in BBC Defamation Lawsuit
Confirmed
In Short: A federal judge allowed Trump's defamation lawsuit against the BBC to proceed, dismissing claims under Florida consumer protection law.
Donald Trump (Wikidata P18).
Judge allows President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against BBC to proceed. KVUE
President Donald Trump celebrated a court victory Tuesday as a federal judge ruled that his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) can move forward.
The lawsuit stems from a BBC documentary that Trump's legal team claims edited footage of his January 6, 2021 speech to make it appear he urged supporters to use violence before they stormed the US Capitol.
The BBC has apologized for the Panorama programme but denies defamation, stating in a press release: 'We are surprised by this decision but respect the court’s authority and note the case will now proceed to the next stage.'
The case is now expected to go to trial next year, with Trump seeking at least $5 billion for defamation and another $5 billion under Florida consumer protection law.
Trump’s defamation allegations are plausible, but whether he can prove these claims and establish damages remains to be seen at summary judgment or trial.
What's confirmed
- Hailing the decision by the judge to rule against the BBC’s attempt to argue that no case had been made to establish a defamation claim, President Trump said on his Truth Social platform: “A Huge Victory against Fake News BBC, a terrible abuser of the truth, just handed down by highly respected District Court Judge, Jeffrey T. Kuntz”.
What's still developing
- While Tuesday’s ruling allows Trump’s defamation claim to proceed, a magistrate judge previously ruled in the BBC’s favor in October, ordering Trump to give a deposition by Dec. 11 unless the discovery deadline is extended beyond Dec. 18.
- Sullivan, the landmark Supreme Court case that established the high legal standard that makes it hard for public figures like Trump to win defamation cases.