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US: February 2027 Trial Date Set for Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC

Published February 12, 2026, 17:15
US: February 2027 Trial Date Set for Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC

The BBC will face trial in February 2027 for allegedly defaming former President Donald Trump. Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages, claiming the BBC misleadingly edited a documentary to portray him as inciting the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He filed a lawsuit in Florida, citing defamation and violations of commercial laws. The BBC's legal representatives attempted to dismiss the case, arguing that the program was not broadcast in the US and therefore did not cause Trump any harm. BBC Chairman Samir Shah apologized for the editing but disputed the legal basis of the lawsuit. The case has already led to resignations at the BBC, with Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News head Deborah Turness stepping down, indicating the seriousness the channel attaches to the matter. Donald Trump has previously threatened or filed lawsuits against numerous news organizations, with some paying significant sums to avoid legal battles. This sets a precedent and suggests Trump's aggressive approach to dealing with criticism.