BBC Seeks Jack Smith Testimony in Trump Defamation Suit
President Trump's lawyers are asking a federal court to block a BBC subpoena seeking Jack Smith's deposition. Trump is suing the broadcaster for defamation over a documentary that edited his Jan. 6 speech.
$10 billion is the damages figure in Trump's suit, filed in December.
The BBC served Smith with the subpoena on Oct. 1.
Smith has not objected to testifying.
Trump's lawyers say Smith lacks personal knowledge of the speech.
Why it matters: The BBC argues Trump must prove he did not incite the Capitol riot. It says Smith holds evidence on that question that has never been released.
Smith previously withheld evidence sources, citing grand jury secrecy.
BBC chair Samir Shah apologized for an edit he called an editorial error.
Trump's lawyers say that apology settles the question of falsity.
Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean% of 10 sources
10 sources · 10 articles · 50% Left coverage
Where they split: The two sides disagree over whether Shah's apology settles falsity. Trump's lawyers say it does. The BBC says incitement remains in dispute.
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center sees a procedural discovery fight in which the BBC wants Smith's testimony for its defense.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right sees an open legal dispute and stresses that Smith has not been ordered to testify. It also notes the BBC's apology for the edit.
