NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (AP) — Lawyers for ABC News are asking to have a defamation lawsuit against the company filed by a South Dakota beef processing plant transferred from circuit court to federal court.

Beef Products Inc. sued ABC News Inc. for defamation over its coverage of a meat product that critics dub "pink slime." The company alleges that the network created an inaccurate impression that the product is unsafe. The company is seeking $1.2 billion in damages.

The lawsuit was originally filed in circuit court in South Dakota's Union County in September. Lawyers for the broadcasting company want the suit moved to federal district court in South Dakota because it says the parties involved are all from different states.

A lawyer for BPI didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.