- The BBC sought financial records from the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, arguing they are relevant to his damages claim, but the trust objected.
- Federal magistrate judge Enjolique Lett ruled the records are 'relevant and material to any damages analysis,' but the trust filed an emergency motion to Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Roy Altman to avoid compliance.
- The trust argued that Trump's motion to amend his suit to focus on 'personal reputational harm' made the magistrate's discovery order 'obsolete.' The BBC called the emergency motion 'a transparent effort to evade this Court’s clear and direct order.'
- Judge Altman granted emergency relief, citing the trust's 'compelling argument' and noting that Trump's lawyer said the president no longer intends to pursue a damages theory based on injury to his brands and businesses. He stayed the discovery order pending resolution of the motion to amend.
A Trump-appointed judge has granted a stay on an order requiring former President Donald Trump to disclose financial records to the BBC in a defamation lawsuit.
The BBC had sought these records to support its defense against Trump's claims of billions in damages, arguing that the information is relevant to the case.
However, the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust contested the request, stating it was unwarranted. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman acknowledged the trust's 'compelling argument' regarding an amended complaint that focuses on personal reputational harm, suggesting that this change could render the financial disclosures unnecessary.
The BBC's motion to compel compliance was described as a 'transparent effort to evade' the court's order. The broadcaster contended that the trust's objections were an attempt to avoid discovery obligations.
In his ruling, Altman noted that if the new complaint eliminates the need for confidential financial information, it is 'prudent to enter a brief stay' of the discovery order until the amended complaint is resolved. Trump's lawyer indicated that the former president no longer intends to pursue damages based on alleged injury to his brands and businesses, which could significantly alter the case's trajectory.
Trump's complaint alleges that the BBC's documentary misrepresented him, causing 'massive economic damage' to his brand. He claims his personal brand is worth 'tens of billions of dollars' and generates 'hundreds of millions of dollars' annually. The BBC, however, argues that the U.S. court lacks jurisdiction over a case involving a U.K.-produced documentary that did not air in the U.S.
“The BBC sought the records to defend against Trump's multibillion-dollar damages claim, but the trust argued the order became 'obsolete' after Trump moved to narrow his suit to 'personal reputational harm.' Judge Altman noted Trump's lawyer said he no longer intends to pursue a damages theory based on injury to his brands.”
MS NOW
