BBC Files New Motion to Dismiss Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit, Citing VPN Issue
The broadcaster says unauthorized streams cannot establish U.S. jurisdiction and that doing so would have “massive implications for foreign companies with online presences” The post BBC Files New Motion to Dismiss Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit, Citing VPN Issue appeared first on TheWrap .
President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, which alleges defamation and potential election interference, faces a new motion to dismiss by the British broadcaster. The motion cites the alleged use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in alleged unauthorized plays of a geoblocked documentary by 10 users in Florida.
The BBC argues that these unauthorized plays do not establish jurisdiction over the program, as it was never distributed or licensed for viewing in the United States. Trump's legal team contends that the unauthorized VPN plays prove the documentary was accessed in Florida, which could establish jurisdiction. However, the BBC maintains that the unauthorized plays are merely unconfirmed and do not constitute evidence of targeting Florida viewers.
The jurisdictional dispute adds to an ongoing legal battle that also involves Trump's finances, claimed damages, and subpoenas for family members. The case has expanded to include allegations of defamation, with the BBC asserting that the documentary's edit misrepresented Trump's statements during the 2021 Capitol riot. The documentary has been pulled from the BBC's streaming platforms and the broadcaster has faced resignations amid the controversy.
Trump is seeking $10 billion in total, with $5 billion for defamation and $5 billion under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The case is scheduled for a two-week trial in February 2027, unless dismissed first.
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