BBC Apologises to Trump Over Misleading Edit but Rejects Defamation Claim
The BBC has issued a formal apology to Donald Trump for a misleading edit of his January 6 2021 speech in a documentary aired ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, but it says there is no legal basis for his defamation claim.
In the programme, parts of the speech recorded nearly an hour apart were spliced together, creating the impression that Trump directly incited violence. The BBC’s chair sent a personal apology letter to the White House and announced that the documentary will not be rebroadcast.
Trump’s team had demanded a full retraction, an apology, and compensation of up to $1 billion, alleging reputational damage. Legal experts say his chances in court are slim, noting that the BBC could argue he was not harmed, particularly as he was re-elected president in 2024.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between major broadcasters and political figures over accurate representation of public statements.
BBC Apologises to Trump Over Misleading Edit but Rejects Defamation Claim
