BBC seeks subpoenas for Trump family members in $10bn defamation suit

The BBC requested subpoenas for Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner as it defends against President Donald Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit over a Panorama episode that edited portions of his 6 January 2021 speech, the broadcaster’s court filing shows.

According to filings, the BBC argues the family members have personal knowledge of Trump’s intentions when delivering the speech and that their testimony and documents are relevant to the claim. The filing cites congressional evidence stating Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump were present when their father revised and delivered the speech and that Jared Kushner drafted a proposed statement that would have condemned the use of violence.

The BBC sought permission to serve subpoenas by email and certified mail after repeated attempts at personal service were unsuccessful. One attempt to leave subpoenas for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner at their Florida residence was blocked at a police checkpoint and the Secret Service said it could not accept the documents. Attempts to serve Donald Trump Jr. at Trump Tower in New York encountered reception or legal department absences, the filing states.

Trump sued the BBC and subsidiaries BBC Studios Productions and BBC Studios Distribution in Florida over the 2024 Panorama episode, alleging the programme “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively” edited his speech. The BBC has apologised for an editing error that created the mistaken impression that Trump directly called for violence but denies the edit meets defamation criteria.

In related court developments, Trump’s lawyers have acknowledged lacking evidence that the documentary was available in the US on BritBox, BBC.com, BBC Select or through US broadcasters as previously claimed. Trump also agreed to drop BBC Studios from the suit after the corporation said that entity had no role in producing the documentary.

The BBC has requested some of Trump’s financial records to assess his claim that the documentary harmed his business interests; Trump’s team argued disclosure would cause him irreparable harm. A trial date in February 2027 remains scheduled if the case proceeds.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The filing frames family members’ testimony and documents as relevant to Trump’s intent while drafting and delivering the 6 January 2021 speech, referencing evidence gathered by a US congressional committee and recounting repeated unsuccessful service attempts.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• BBC sought subpoenas for Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in its defense against Trump’s $10bn defamation suit.
• BBC lawyers say family members have personal knowledge of Trump’s intentions for the 6 January 2021 speech.
• Attempts at personal service failed; BBC asked to serve subpoenas by email and certified mail.