BBC asks US court for help with testimony from the Trump family in defamation suit

The BBC has requested assistance from a US court to obtain documents and testimony from Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. This action is in connection with Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British broadcaster. The BBC's lawyers contend that these family members possess relevant personal knowledge and records pertaining to Trump's claims. The broadcaster has faced difficulties serving subpoenas due to the individuals' Secret Service protection and security staff. This filing was made in federal court in Florida.

The BBC has requested assistance from a U.S. court to obtain documents and testimony from Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. in relation to Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. Lawyers for the BBC argue these family members possess relevant information and records concerning Trump's claims. The BBC has faced difficulties serving subpoenas due to their Secret Service protection. Trump's lawsuit, filed in December, alleges the BBC defamed him and engaged in unfair trade practices through the editing of a 2024 documentary that misrepresented a speech he gave on January 6, 2021. The BBC has apologized for the misleading edit but maintains it did not defame Trump. Trump's legal team contends the BBC is attempting to distract from its liability. A trial is tentatively scheduled for February.

The BBC is attempting to subpoena members of Donald Trump's family, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr., in connection with a lawsuit filed by Trump against the broadcaster. Trump sued the BBC in December over a 2024 Panorama episode, alleging the program intentionally and deceptively doctored a speech he gave on January 6, 2021. The BBC's lawyers argue that Trump's family members possess personal knowledge of his intentions during that speech. Attempts to serve subpoenas at the family's Florida residence and Trump Tower in New York have been unsuccessful, with Secret Service and building staff reportedly refusing to accept the documents. The BBC has previously apologized for an editing error that created the mistaken impression Trump called for violent action.

The BBC is seeking to subpoena Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner as part of its defense against a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in December, centers on a BBC documentary about the January 6th insurrection, which Trump alleges misrepresented his speech. The BBC wants to obtain testimony and records from Trump's children and son-in-law regarding events on January 6th, 2021, including Trump's efforts to pressure Vice President Mike Pence. The broadcaster claims these individuals have knowledge of key incidents, such as Kushner allegedly helping draft a statement condemning violence. The BBC had previously been unable to serve subpoenas due to Secret Service protection.