A federal judge has issued a warning to Donald Trump, indicating that his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC risks dismissal if additional relevant documents or evidence are not produced. The lawsuit centers on Trump’s claim that the BBC defamed him by editing two segments of a speech he made before the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.
Trump’s legal team faced a deadline of October 21 to verify the accuracy of their written answers and provide any non-disputed documents as part of the discovery process. The BBC has apologized for the editing but denies defamation charges.
According to Magistrate Judge Enjolique A. Lett, the response from Trump’s team consisted of only twenty documents. These were not new, as they were previously made available by the defendant or accessed online close to the deadline.
Judge Lett noted that Trump’s team had not provided a log identifying documents withheld on grounds of privilege. She expressed concerns about the adequacy of the search for responsive documents. “Given the nature of the requests, the paucity of the production, and the steps counsel undertook to ensure that all responsive documents were collected, the Court has concerns about whether an adequate search for all responsive documentation occurred,” Lett stated.
Lett has instructed Trump’s legal team to submit a privilege log by November 5. Additionally, any remaining undisputed documents must be provided by November 23. “Failure to comply with this order may result in sanctions, including but not limited to, dismissal of this action for failure to prosecute this case,” Lett warned.
Developments in this case continue to unfold with more details expected in the future.