British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on the BBC to “get its house in order” following mounting pressure from the U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened a $1 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster over an allegedly misleading documentary segment.
The controversy stems from a BBC Panorama documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance?, which aired a week before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump’s legal team claims the program included an edited clip of his January 6, 2021 speech that falsely suggested he incited the Capitol riot. The clip reportedly omitted Trump’s call for supporters to march “peacefully,” instead highlighting the phrase “We fight like hell.”
Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, issued a formal demand for retraction, apology, and compensation, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action in Florida. Trump stated: “The BBC is on notice. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.”
During Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament, Starmer emphasized his support for a “strong and independent BBC” but insisted the broadcaster must uphold the highest editorial standards. He stated: “The argument for an impartial British news service is strong. But when mistakes are made, the BBC must get its house in order.”
Starmer’s remarks came in response to a question from Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who asked whether the UK government would intervene in Trump’s legal threat.
The lawsuit threat has triggered internal turmoil at the BBC, including the resignation of Director-General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of BBC News. BBC Chair Samir Shah acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, describing Trump as a “litigious fellow.”
This incident raises broader concerns about media accountability, political influence, and the global reach of defamation laws. Analysts warn that the case could set a precedent for international legal challenges against public broadcasters.