A US judge has ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by 11 December in his US$10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC.

Judge Enjolique Lett issued the order in Miami on 22 October after the broadcaster complained about delays in arranging Trump’s testimony.

The dispute concerns the editing of footage from Trump’s speech on 6 January 2021 in a BBC documentary. Trump alleges the programme misleadingly presented his remarks in a way that suggested he encouraged supporters to attack the US Capitol.

The BBC has apologised for the editing but denies liability for defamation.

AFP reported that Trump could face sanctions, including dismissal of the lawsuit, if he does not comply.

His lawyers argued that presidential responsibilities had constrained his availability and proposed January dates. The BBC disputed the justification for cancelling an earlier appointment, saying Trump had been campaigning.

A deposition requires a witness to answer lawyers’ questions under oath during pre-trial evidence gathering. The order concerns that process and does not determine whether the documentary was legally defamatory.

The lawsuit remains unresolved.