Judge Allows Trump Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC to Proceed, While Dismissing One Claim

Central claim moves forward

Judge Jeffrey Kuntz ruled Tuesday that Trump’s defamation claim could proceed, rejecting the BBC’s request to dismiss the case. He did not decide whether the broadcaster is liable. The judge dismissed a separate claim alleging the BBC violated Florida law on unfair business practices. Trump filed the suit in December, accusing the broadcaster of defamation and deceptive and unfair trade practices over its documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance?”

Dispute over documentary editing

The BBC acknowledged that the documentary’s filmmakers joined quotations from different parts of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech to supporters. The edit made it appear that he directly urged violence before the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

The broadcaster apologized for the editing but denies Trump’s defamation allegations. Kuntz referred to the apology in his ruling, according to the report. The BBC’s head and its top news executive resigned.

Deposition and next steps

A different Florida judge ordered Trump in October to give a deposition by Dec. 11. BBC lawyers had accused him of delaying his appearance in the lawsuit. BBC attorney Charles Tobin said that with two months remaining in discovery, the broadcaster had not yet been able to question Trump. The deposition deadline could be extended.

Trump responds to ruling

Trump praised Kuntz’s decision in a post on Truth Social, calling it a “Huge Victory against Fake News BBC.” He also said he would keep fighting those he accused of deceiving Americans. The report contains conflicting timing details: it says Kuntz issued his ruling Tuesday, then says the BBC apology was noted in a ruling Wednesday.