Donald Trump has removed BBC Studios from his defamation lawsuit concerning a 2024 Panorama episode, though his multi-billion dollar claim against the British Broadcasting Corporation as a whole remains active. Trump is suing for up to $10 billion over the BBC's editing of a speech he delivered prior to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol incident.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida, accused the BBC of "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring" the speech. The BBC acknowledged an editing error that created a "mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action" and apologized for the mistake. However, the broadcaster has requested the court dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the program does not meet the legal standards for defamation and was not made available on its U.S. platforms.
Trump's legal team admitted in February that they lacked evidence to support their original claim that the documentary was accessible in the U.S. via the BBC's BritBox subscription service, BBC.com, BBC Select, or through U.S. broadcasters. Despite this, Trump's lawyers have challenged the BBC's motion to dismiss, asserting that the broadcaster presented an "untenable proposition" and that dismissal would be unjust. They contend that a jury should determine the defamation issue and that the BBC's geo-blocking technology does not reliably prevent U.S. viewers from accessing its UK-only iPlayer platform. Trump's lawyers pointed to instances where production staff allegedly instructed individuals on how to watch the documentary in the U.S. and cited a promotional post on X as evidence of coordinated BBC conduct aimed at the United States.
A trial date has been set for February 2027, should the case proceed. The controversy surrounding the Panorama edit surfaced in November when a leaked BBC internal memo was published, prompting the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness.
In a court filing on Thursday, Trump's agreement to dismiss claims against BBC Studios was confirmed, with the filing stating, "President Trump shall continue prosecuting his causes of action against defendant British Broadcasting Corporation."