Judge lets Trump's $10bn BBC defamation suit proceed, tosses consumer claim

In brief

• A Florida federal judge allowed Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the BBC to continue.
• The judge dismissed a second claim under Florida's consumer protection law, which had sought $5bn.
• The suit over an edited Panorama documentary on Trump's 6 January 2021 speech now moves to the next stage.

Defamation claim survives

Federal Judge Jeffrey T. Kuntz, a district court judge in Florida appointed by Trump, ruled on Tuesday that the defamation claim can continue, rejecting the British broadcaster's request to have it thrown out (Federal judge allows Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit against BBC to proceed – The Guardian) (Judge allows Trump's $10bn defamation case against BBC to proceed – BBC News). Kuntz wrote that Trump had plausibly alleged reputational harm from a documentary broadcast ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Consumer claim rejected

The judge did not accept the second part of the lawsuit. He dismissed a claim brought under Florida's unfair trade practices law, which had sought $5bn on top of the $5bn defamation demand (Donald Trump: Richter lässt Milliardenklage des US-Präsidenten gegen die BBC teilweise zu – DER SPIEGEL).

Background of the dispute

The case concerns a Panorama documentary titled "Trump: A Second Chance". The programme combined two separate sections of a speech Trump delivered before the 6 January 2021 riot at the US Capitol. Trump contends the edit suggested he had urged supporters to attack the Capitol and accuses the BBC of deceptively altering his words.

Reactions

The BBC said it was surprised by the decision, respected the court's authority and remained confident in its position, adding that it would respond through the proper legal process.

What comes next

Kuntz stressed that he had not ruled on the merits. Whether Trump can prove his claims and show damages, at summary judgment or at trial, he wrote, will be decided later. The case now proceeds to the next stage in Florida.