Federal judge orders Trump to sit for deposition in BBC defamation case by Dec. 11

A federal judge in Miami has ordered former President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), according to WSVN 7News and WPLG Local 10.

The order came after lawyers for the BBC complained that Trump had delayed his deposition, canceling an agreed-upon date of October 16, which he cited as a "matter of national importance," though the BBC noted he was campaigning in Georgia that day.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett warned that Trump could face sanctions, including dismissal of his lawsuit, if he fails to comply with the deposition deadline, unless the discovery period is extended beyond December 18.

The lawsuit, filed by Trump last December, alleges defamation and deceptive trade practices related to a BBC documentary titled "Trump: A Second Chance." The BBC acknowledged editing clips from Trump's January 6, 2021 speech to make it appear he was urging violence and apologized for the editing.

The BBC has denied the defamation claims. The case is ongoing, with the judge noting only the presiding judge can alter the trial schedule. The BBC's attorneys want Trump's deposition before the discovery deadline.

The dispute also involves whether former special counsel Jack Smith should be deposed, a move Trump opposes, as reported by whdh.com.