Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a $1 billion lawsuit against the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of manipulating and misrepresenting one of his speeches made before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
According to a source close to Trump’s legal team who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the former president sent a formal letter demanding the BBC retract the program and issue a public apology. The warning letter, first reported by Fox News, allegedly set a Friday deadline for the network to comply.
Trump’s Legal Team Accuses BBC of “Defamation”
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal representatives confirmed that the letter had been sent, claiming that the broadcaster “defamed President Trump by intentionally and deceptively editing a documentary.”
“The BBC deliberately altered the footage to mislead the public and influence the U.S. presidential election,” the spokesperson said in a statement to AFP. “President Trump is determined to hold accountable all those spreading misinformation and fake news.”
BBC Chief Steps Down Amid Editing Controversy
The fallout has already reached the BBC’s top ranks. The network’s director general resigned on Sunday, following backlash over the Panorama documentary that allegedly edited Trump’s remarks to make it appear he incited violence during the Capitol unrest.
In a brief statement on Monday, the BBC said it would review the complaint and acknowledged that the editing “gave an inaccurate impression” of Trump’s words. The broadcaster also apologized for the error, emphasizing that the incident was not intentional.
January 6 Riots Still Cast a Long Shadow
The Capitol riot remains one of the most controversial moments in modern U.S. political history. On that day, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
The new legal threat adds another chapter to Trump’s ongoing battles with the media, as he continues to challenge outlets he accuses of bias, manipulation, and election interference.
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