Trump threatens $1 billion lawsuit as BBC admits major error in edited speech

US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action worth $1 billion against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of manipulating his speech in a Panorama episode in a way that allegedly portrayed him as provoking violence. 

As per reports, his lawyers have given the BBC until November 14 to withdraw the documentary, claiming that multiple parts of the speech were stitched together to create a misleading narrative that he encouraged supporters to fight and move towards the Capitol.

The development has triggered significant turmoil inside the BBC. According to multiple media reports, the fallout has already resulted in the resignations of key leadership figures, including Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Executive Deborah Turness.

BBC Chair Samir Shah, expressed regret over the lapse and referred to it as a serious misjudgement, while simultaneously rejecting the idea that the error reflects institutional bias at the broadcaster.

The BBC has reportedly confirmed that it has received Trump’s legal notice, and stated that the letter will be examined and responded to formally in due course.