BBC seeks US court help to obtain Trump family testimony in $10B defamation suit
In a legal filing on Friday in federal court in Florida, the BBC requested US court assistance to obtain documents and testimony from members of President Donald Trump's family for its defense against a $10 billion defamation lawsuit. The broadcaster argued that Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. have "personal knowledge" and likely possess records relevant to Trump's claims. The BBC stated it has been unable to serve subpoenas because the three individuals have Secret Service protection and other security staff. Trump filed the lawsuit in December, accusing the BBC of defamation and deceptive trade practices over a 2024 documentary that allegedly edited his January 6, 2021 speech, splicing two separate parts to misrepresent his words and interfere in the 2024 election. The BBC has apologized for the misleading edit but denies defamation.
Key facts
- BBC filed a request in federal court in Florida on Friday.
- The request seeks help in obtaining testimony and documents from Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr.
- The BBC argues the three have personal knowledge and relevant records.
- Subpoenas could not be served due to Secret Service protection and security staff.
- Trump's lawsuit seeks $10 billion in damages from the BBC.
- The lawsuit alleges defamation and deceptive/unfair trade practices.
- The dispute centers on a 2024 documentary's editing of Trump's January 6, 2021 speech.
- The BBC has apologized for the misleading edit but denies defamation.
Entities
Institutions
- BBC
- US federal court in Florida
- Secret Service
- BBC Studios Productions
- BBC Studios Distribution
- BritBox
- BBC.com
- BBC Select
- US Congress
Locations
- Florida
- United States
- Washington
- New York
- Washington D.C.