BBC confirms receiving legal threat from Trump over edited speech controversy

The BBC has confirmed that it received a formal legal threat from former U.S. president Donald Trump following controversy over the broadcaster’s editing of one of his speeches from 2021, delivered on the day his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The British broadcaster admitted earlier this week that the edit was “an error of judgment,” prompting Trump to accuse the network of defamation and political bias.

According to BBC officials, Trump’s legal team sent a notice demanding an apology and retraction after the broadcaster aired an edited clip of his January 6 speech during a recent documentary. The version omitted a key portion in which Trump urged his followers to “peacefully and patriotically make their voices heard,” leaving only the sections that appeared to encourage protest against the election results.

The omission sparked criticism from Trump’s supporters, who claimed it misrepresented his remarks and portrayed him as inciting violence. The BBC later acknowledged the mistake, saying it was the result of poor editorial judgment rather than deliberate manipulation. “We regret the editing oversight and any misrepresentation it may have caused,” a spokesperson said, adding that internal procedures were being reviewed to prevent similar errors.

Trump, however, dismissed the explanation, calling it part of a broader pattern of “fake news” coverage. In a statement issued by his campaign office, he accused the BBC of “intentionally distorting” his words to damage his reputation and influence public perception ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections. “The truth is that I called for peace, not violence,” he said. “The BBC’s actions are a clear example of media corruption.”

The broadcaster said it would not comment further on the legal threat but reaffirmed its commitment to editorial accuracy and impartiality. “We take all complaints seriously,” the network said, emphasizing that the segment had already been corrected in its archives.

The incident has reignited debate over media accountability and the role of international broadcasters in covering politically sensitive events. Media analysts say the case highlights the risks of selective editing, particularly when dealing with high-profile political figures. “Even an honest mistake can have major consequences in today’s polarized media environment,” said London-based journalist Sarah Collins.

This is not the first time Trump has threatened legal action against news organizations. Over the years, he has filed multiple lawsuits against U.S. media outlets, accusing them of spreading misinformation about him and his presidency. Most have been dismissed or settled out of court.

While it remains unclear whether Trump will follow through with a lawsuit against the BBC, the episode underscores the ongoing tensions between the former president and the global press.