Donald Trump demands $1 billion from BBC over edited speech that appeared to urge Capitol violence, prompting broadcaster apology and resignations.
LONDON: US President Donald Trump has threatened the BBC with a $1 billion lawsuit over an edited speech that appeared to show him urging violent action before the 2021 Capitol assault.
Trump’s lawyers gave the British broadcaster until Friday to fully retract the documentary, apologise and provide appropriate compensation.
The legal letter warned Trump would file for no less than $1 billion in damages if the BBC fails to comply, stating “The BBC is on notice. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.”
BBC director general Tim Davie and news CEO Deborah Turness resigned Sunday amid the escalating controversy over the Panorama programme’s editing.
The broadcaster issued a public apology for the editing error and said it would review Trump’s legal letter.
Trump’s legal team called the edit “false, defamatory, malicious, disparaging, and inflammatory” in its portrayal of his White House speech.
The edited version appeared to show Trump telling supporters he would walk to the Capitol with them and “fight like hell” while omitting his subsequent call to “cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”
The letter claimed the fabricated statements reached tens of millions worldwide, causing Trump “overwhelming financial and reputational harm.”
BBC chairman Samir Shah acknowledged to MPs that the editing “did give the impression of a direct call for violent action” and promised oversight reforms.
Trump celebrated the resignations, accusing BBC journalists of being “corrupt” and “dishonest” while his press secretary labelled the broadcaster “100-percent fake news.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman defended the BBC’s vital role “in an age of disinformation” while urging swift correction of mistakes.
The government is preparing a review of the BBC’s charter ahead of its 2027 expiration as the cash-strapped organisation faces ongoing criticism.
The controversy follows earlier BBC apologies for “serious flaws” in a Gaza war documentary and criticism over handling of anti-Israel comments at the Glastonbury festival. – AFP
