US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the BBC for $5 billion, alleging that the network misrepresented his statements. The legal action stems from a Panorama episode aired before the 2024 US election, showcasing Trump’s remarks to supporters prior to the 2021 Capitol riots. The episode depicted Trump as saying, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell,” by combining excerpts from different parts of his speech delivered almost an hour apart. The BBC has issued an apology for the editing error, acknowledging it as a “judgment mistake” but refuting any legal grounds for Trump’s claims.
In a separate development, the BBC published its list of top earners in July, revealing notable changes in its highest-paid personalities. Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who departed the network, retained the top spot with an annual salary of £1.35 million. Following Lineker was former Radio 2 breakfast presenter Zoe Ball, earning £515,000 despite being replaced on the morning show by Scott Mills.
Alan Shearer, the host of Match of the Day, emerged as the third-highest-paid BBC personality, receiving a salary increase after covering the Euros tournament. Radio host Nick Robinson also experienced a pay raise, while Vernon Kay entered the top 10 earners for the first time. Surprisingly, BBC North America Editor Justin Webb also made the top 10 list, commanding a salary of £365,000.
Vernon Kay, who joined BBC Radio 2, made his debut on the top earners list with a £320,000 salary, succeeding Ken Bruce. Additionally, Huw Edwards, a BBC News host embroiled in controversy, retained his position on the list with an increased wage amid speculation about his personal life.