The BBC is seeking assistance from a U.S. court to obtain documents and testimony from members of former President Donald Trump’s family in relation to his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. According to a court filing submitted in Florida, BBC lawyers argue that Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump, Jr. possess personal knowledge and relevant records related to Trump’s claims.
The lawsuit, filed by Trump in December, accuses the BBC of defamation and unfair trade practices. The controversy revolves around a 2024 documentary that allegedly edited Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech to misrepresent his words. Trump claims this was an attempt to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Although the BBC has apologized for the editing, it denies any defamation.
In the recent filing, the BBC asserts that Trump’s family members have crucial information relevant to defending the claim that Trump did not incite violence on January 6, 2021. Specifically, Donald Trump, Jr. and Ivanka Trump were reportedly in the Oval Office when the speech was being revised. Furthermore, Donald Trump, Jr. communicated with his father following the Capitol violence.
The broadcaster requests the court to allow the subpoenas to be served via email and certified mail due to security constraints preventing physical service. Trump’s legal team has until Friday to respond, arguing the BBC is diverting attention from its liability by harassing Trump and his family.
A trial date has been set for February. Meanwhile, a federal judge has temporarily paused an order requiring Trump to disclose financial details of his business empire as part of the lawsuit, pending a review of an amended complaint from Trump.
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