Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC Over ‘Panorama’ .

Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), accusing the broadcaster of defamation and violations of Florida’s trade practices law over a “Panorama” documentary related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, alleges that the BBC intentionally published a false and malicious portrayal of Trump by manipulating footage from his speech delivered on the day of the Capitol insurrection. According to the complaint, the documentary spliced together portions of Trump’s remarks in a way that omitted his call for supporters to act peacefully, thereby presenting what his legal team describes as a misleading and deceptive narrative of his actions and intent.

Trump’s attorneys are seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The filing claims the BBC ignored internal warnings and concerns about the accuracy of the documentary and argues that the broadcaster has demonstrated a broader pattern of biased reporting against Trump.

The BBC has previously issued an apology related to the documentary but has rejected the assertion that its reporting amounted to defamation. The broadcaster has also declined to offer any financial compensation, maintaining that it stands by its journalism despite acknowledging specific errors.

Legal experts note that the lawsuit faces significant challenges. Analysts point to potential jurisdictional issues, given that the BBC is a U.K.-based organization, as well as the high legal bar for public figures to prove defamation under U.S. law. First Amendment protections and established precedent requiring proof of “actual malice” could pose substantial obstacles to Trump’s case.

The lawsuit adds to Trump’s long-running legal battles with media organizations and is likely to intensify debate over press freedom, editorial judgment, and accountability in coverage of politically sensitive events such as January 6.