Judge Warns Donald Trump of Sanctions in BBC Lawsuit

U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett has warned Donald Trump that he faces potential sanctions for a lack of participation in a $10 billion lawsuit he filed against the British Broadcasting Corporation. Trump alleges the BBC defamed him and violated Florida deceptive trade practices laws in the documentary "Trump: A Second Chance," which spliced two parts of a January 6, 2021, speech to suggest he directly encouraged violence.

The BBC has requested that the court compel Trump to sit for a deposition after he canceled an October 16 appearance. While Trump cited matters of national importance for the delay, the BBC claims he instead attended a campaign rally in Georgia and a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. Judge Lett has scheduled a discovery hearing for Thursday to determine if Trump must be questioned under oath.

As part of its defense, the BBC is seeking to depose former special counsel Jack Smith. The court ruled that Smith can be subpoenaed to testify regarding the impression Trump's speech gave to the audience. The BBC argues Smith is an authoritative source on Trump's intent and the foreseeability of the Capitol violence, though Trump's legal team claims Smith lacks firsthand knowledge. While the BBC apologized for the editing error, it denies the program was defamatory and is seeking to have the case dismissed.