BBC moves to dismiss Trump’s $15bn defamation lawsuit

The BBC has filed a motion to dismiss a $15 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump, arguing that a Florida court lacks jurisdiction over the case and that Trump has not demonstrated any actual harm resulting from the BBC’s reporting. The lawsuit stems from a Panorama documentary examining Trump’s January 6th speech, which Trump alleges was defamed by selectively editing footage to portray him negatively. The BBC contends the program wasn’t produced or broadcast in Florida, and therefore Florida law doesn’t apply. They also argue Trump’s claims of damage are too vague to meet the legal standard for defamation, particularly given his continued political activity.

Specifically, Trump claims the BBC breached Florida’s deceptive and unfair trade practices laws by editing together parts of his speech, focusing on his call to march on the Capitol and “fight like hell” while omitting his calls for peaceful protest. He is seeking $5 billion for each of two counts. The BBC maintains that the editing, while acknowledged, did not meet the threshold of “actual malice” required in US defamation cases involving public figures.

Furthermore, the BBC has requested a pause on the discovery phase of the lawsuit, arguing that proceeding with discovery would be costly and unnecessary if the motion to dismiss is granted. The broadcaster is funded by a mandatory license fee paid by UK television-watching households.

(Source：Mediaweek Au)