(WASHINGTON) – President Trump’s threat to sue the BBC over an editing mistake a year ago that the news organization has apologized for is a further example of the same coercive tactics he has used in the United States to try to punish and intimidate journalists to chill scrutiny, PEN America said today in a statement.
The writers and free expression organization, in its statement, said no mistake “justifies legal coercion” by the president. His lawyers threatened to seek $1 billion in damages over how the outlet edited the speech he gave on Jan. 6, 2021, unless the BBC issued a retraction, apologized and compensated the president.
Tim Richardson, PEN America’s journalism and disinformation program director, said: “President Trump is exporting the same tactics he has long used at home: wielding litigation and vilification to punish an independent press and to chill future scrutiny. The BBC has apologized for its mistake, yet the president is relying on the well-worn domestic playbook he has often used to intimidate journalists through legal threats, personal attacks, and attempts to manipulate access and coverage. Responsible journalism demands transparency and accountability when errors occur, but no mistake justifies legal coercion by the president of the United States aimed at harming a free press. PEN America stands firmly with the BBC and with all journalists who face intimidation for doing the essential work of holding power to account.”
PEN America Actions on Trump Threats to the Free Press
PEN America has issued numerous statements and actions regarding President Trump and the press, Its statements involved his defamation lawsuit against Penguin Random House and The New York Times, restricting press access, threatening to revoke licenses, and other measures PEN America argues undermined the First Amendment. PEN America has also criticized the Trump administration for threats to pass laws or sue writers using anonymous sources.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057