A federal judge has ordered US President Donald Trump to appear for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, warning that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including dismissal of the case.
US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett issued the order after the BBC’s lawyers argued that Trump had postponed his deposition, which was originally scheduled for October 16.
The broadcaster’s legal team said he cancelled the appearance citing a matter of national importance, while attending a campaign event in Georgia.
Trump filed the lawsuit last December over a BBC documentary titled “Trump: A Second Chance.” He accused the broadcaster of defamation and deceptive trade practices after it edited portions of his January 6, 2021, speech in a way that appeared to show him directly encouraging violence.
The BBC apologised for the editing but has denied defaming Trump. The controversy also led to the resignations of the broadcaster’s head and its top news executive.
Meanwhile, the BBC has subpoenaed former special counsel Jack Smith as part of its defence. Trump’s lawyers oppose his testimony, arguing he lacks direct knowledge of the speech and related matters. The BBC maintains that Smith’s investigation makes him a valuable source of evidence.
