Judge orders Trump to attend deposition in $10B BBC defamation case
Judge orders Trump to attend deposition by December 11 in $10 billion BBC defamation lawsuit.
Why it matters: This ruling advances a major defamation case involving a former president and a leading broadcaster. It may set legal precedents for how courts handle editing disputes and defamation claims involving public figures and media outlets.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellsworth set December 11, 2026, as the deadline for Trump's deposition.
- The $10 billion lawsuit alleges that BBC's documentary 'Trump: A Second Chance' misrepresented Trump's January 6 speech through selective editing.
- BBC admitted to editing the footage, apologized, and saw two executives resign; it denies the claim of defamation.
- Trump initially canceled an October 16 deposition citing a 'matter of national importance' later identified as a Georgia campaign event.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellsworth ruled on October 22, 2026, that former President Donald Trump must attend his deposition by December 11 in the $10 billion defamation lawsuit he filed against the BBC. Trump alleges the BBC documentary Trump: A Second Chance maliciously edited his speech from January 6, 2021, to imply he incited violence.
The BBC has acknowledged editing some footage, apologized publicly, and experienced the resignation of two senior executives over the issue. However, the broadcaster continues to deny defamation allegations. Charles Tobin, attorney for the BBC, told the court that Trump's repeated delays have hindered the "discovery process"—the pretrial evidence gathering, including depositions and document exchanges essential to resolving disputes. Tobin said, "He was engaged in political activities and prioritized that over appearing for deposition," referencing Trump's cancelation of the October 16 deposition due to a "matter of national importance," later linked to a campaign event in Georgia.
Judge Ellsworth highlighted the importance of compliance with court orders, warning sanctions or dismissal of the case could result if Trump misses the December 11 deadline. Additionally, the court has requested input from the Department of Justice by November 2 concerning former special counsel Jack Smith's request to be deposed as part of the case.
The judge also granted the BBC access to Trump's Mar-a-Lago membership records for 2020 to 2026. These records are relevant to assessing alleged reputational harm, a core element of defamation claims where the plaintiff must show damage to their public image.
This case is closely watched due to Trump's public profile and the potential legal ramifications for media organizations accused of editing footage in ways that may defame subjects, especially public figures. Its outcome could influence how courts navigate claims of "malicious editing" and reputational damage in defamation law.
For additional details, see BBC's statement via their official media center and the court's docket at PACER.
By the numbers:
- $10 billion — amount sought in defamation damages by Trump against BBC
- December 11, 2026 — deadline set by Judge Ellsworth for Trump's deposition
- October 22, 2026 — date of the judge's order on deposition compliance
Yes, but: While the deposition order is a significant procedural step, discovery delays earlier in the case and potential appeals could prolong litigation timelines substantially.
What's next: The Department of Justice is expected to respond by November 2 to the court regarding Jack Smith's deposition request. Trump's deposition must be completed by December 11 per the latest order.