'BBC is on notice': Trump's legal threat over speech row

US president's lawyers issue a demand for compensation

- ATHENA STAVROU

Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1bn (£759m) over its editing of his speech in a Panorama episode, even as the broadcaster publicly apologised for the "error of judgement" that has already claimed the heads of two senior executives.

The US president’s legal team wrote to the corporation yesterday demanding a full and fair retraction, an immediate apology and compensation by Friday - or else he would pursue legal action, adding: “The BBC is on notice.”

His threat represents the latest blow for the broadcaster over accusations it “misled” audiences by selectively editing a speech he made on 6 January 2021.

The letter says: “President Trump will be left with no alternative but to enforce his legal and equitable rights, all of which are expressly reserved and are not waived, including by filing legal action for no less than $1,000,000,000 (one billion dollars) in damages.”

BBC chair Samir Shah said the corporation was “considering how to reply” to the ultimatum, but warned the broadcaster must be “prepared for all outcomes”.

Mr Trump has filed lawsuits against media companies before, including The New York Times and CNN. His lawyers said the BBC has violated Florida’s defamation law.

It follows the leaking of a memo written by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC’s editorial standards committee.