BBC seeks dismissal of Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit

The BBC is taking legal action to dismiss US President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation suit.

The lawsuit was filed in December 2025 following a Panorama episode aired in 2024, which Trump claimed edited his January 6, 2021, speech to make it appear as though he encouraged the Capitol riot, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

He argued the broadcast portrayed him intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively.

BBC plans to move for dismissal, arguing that the Florida court lacks “personal jurisdiction” over the company, that the venue is “improper,” and that Trump “failed to state a claim.”

The broadcaster notes it did not produce, create, or broadcast the documentary in Florida, and Trump’s claim that the film was available on the US streaming service BritBox is not accurate.

BBC’s lawyers added: “Simply clicking on the link that plaintiff cites for this point shows it is not on BritBox.” They also stressed that Trump has failed to “plausibly allege” that the BBC acted with “actual malice,” a requirement under US defamation law.

The company has requested a pause on all discovery proceedings until the court rules on the motion. If the case proceeds, the trial could be scheduled for 2027.

Following the episode, the BBC’s director general Tim Davie and head of BBC News Deborah Turness, resigned. The corporation apologised to Trump but emphasised it will not pay financial compensation. BBC Board Chair Samir Shah stated the broadcaster intends to vigorously defend its position.

By Jeyhun Aghazada