The BBC has filed a request in a Florida federal court to compel testimony and documents from Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump, Jr. as part of Trump's defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. The lawsuit, initiated by Trump in December, claims $10 billion in damages, alleging that the BBC misrepresented his speech on January 6, 2021, through misleading editing in a documentary.
The BBC argues that the Trump family members possess relevant information that could clarify the context of the speech and Trump's intent, particularly regarding claims that he incited violence. Despite the BBC's apology for the editing, they maintain that no defamation occurred.
The court filing highlights the challenges the BBC faces in serving subpoenas due to the Secret Service protection surrounding Trump's family. Trump's legal team has criticized the BBC's actions as an attempt to distract from their own liability, asserting that the broadcaster is harassing Trump and his family.
A trial date has been tentatively set for February, and the judge has allowed Trump's legal team time to respond to the BBC's request for subpoenas to be served via email and certified mail