From Law & Crime · · 2m
Trump Opposes Jack Smith's Deposition in Jan. 6 Defamation Lawsuit
Trump calls Smith's testimony 'entirely irrelevant' as BBC warns of 'fundamental injustice' in defamation case.
In brief
Trump calls Smith's testimony 'entirely irrelevant' as BBC warns of 'fundamental injustice' in defamation case. Trump claims Jack Smith has no relevant testimony for his Jan. 6 defamation lawsuit, while BBC says blocking deposition risks fundamental injustice. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Trump's Lawsuit Against BBC
President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC over alleged false claims about his Jan. 6 speech.
BBC Requests Deposition
The BBC urged the Southern District of Florida court to set a discovery hearing to force Trump to provide possible dates for a deposition.
Trump's Unavailability
Trump's lawyers claim he will not be available for an Oct. 16 deposition due to a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, followed by a Mar-a-Lago fundraising event.
Smith's Testimony
Former special counsel Jack Smith has only 'irrelevant' testimony to offer in the BBC matter, according to Trump's lawyers.
BBC's Argument
The BBC says Trump's arguments for blocking Smith's deposition cannot withstand scrutiny and that Smith is the most authoritative source on the issues.
Court Ruling
U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett set a discovery hearing for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, warning of sanctions for continued lack of participation.
Smith's Role
Smith prosecuted Trump in the Jan. 6 and Mar-a-Lago classified documents cases, which were both dismissed before and after Trump's 2024 election win.
BBC's Concern
The BBC warns that Trump's refusal to depose Smith risks fundamental injustice by preventing the BBC from obtaining evidence to defend itself.
Trump's Claim
Trump's lawyers claim the BBC's edit of his Jan. 6 speech in the Panorama documentary gave a 'mistaken impression' of violent action.
Legal Basis
Trump's lawyers argue Smith lacks personal knowledge of Trump's speech or state of mind, making his testimony inadmissible.
Historical Context
Trump's lawyers compared the current situation to his settled breach of contract lawsuit against his niece Mary Trump in New York.
BBC's Stance
The BBC states that none of Trump's arguments for blocking Smith's deposition can withstand scrutiny and that Smith is the most authoritative source.
Consequence
The BBC warns that Trump's refusal to depose Smith risks fundamental injustice by preventing the BBC from obtaining evidence to defend itself.
In short
Trump claims Jack Smith has no relevant testimony for his Jan. 6 defamation lawsuit, while BBC says blocking deposition risks fundamental injustice.
