{
  "id": 314057,
  "title": "Trump Family Members 'Fair Game', Could Face Depositions in BBC Lawsuit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/trump-family-members-fair-game-could-face-depositions-in-bbc-lawsuit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-08T14:48:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/trump-family-members-fair-game-could-face-depositions-in-bbc-lawsuit-12300139"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Members of President Donald Trump's family could be required to provide testimony and communications as part of the $10 billion lawsuit the president has filed against the BBC, according to media lawyers. Deanna Shullman, a First Amendment lawyer, said relatives who possess relevant information to Trump's alleged damages or the BBC's portrayal could be considered fair game. They could be deposed and asked to produce documents, including correspondence with the president, related to the truth or falsity of the disputed statement. Similarly, Florida International University law professor Howard Wasserman told Newsweek that Trump's relatives could potentially serve as nonparty witnesses if they hold relevant information. The issue arose as a U.S. District Judge paused an order requiring Trump to disclose financial information about his family trust, which holds his business assets. Trump is suing the BBC for $5 billion in defamation and another $5 billion under a Florida law against unfair trade practices, claiming the BBC's editing of his January 6, 2021, speech caused extensive harm to his reputation and businesses.",
  "summary": "Trump relatives could face depositions in BBC lawsuit even if he shields business records, legal experts tell Newsweek.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trump family members could provide testimony in $10B lawsuit.",
    "Relatives may be deposed to discuss damages and BBC portrayal.",
    "Judge paused order for Trump to disclose family trust info."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/314057.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}