- The BBC has filed a motion to dismiss a $10 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump, warning of a “chilling effect” on robust reporting.
- The lawsuit follows a 2024 Panorama documentary which Donald Trump alleges gave the impression he encouraged supporters to storm the US Capitol in 2021.
- The corporation argues that early dismissal is favoured to prevent free speech from being unduly burdened by expensive, groundless litigation.
- The BBC cited a “lack of personal jurisdiction“, stating the documentary was not aimed at Florida and was not available for viewing in the US.
- They contend that Donald Trump fails to plausibly allege facts showing the BBC knowingly intended to create a false impression, noting the brief clip was part of an hour-long film.
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