BREAKING: CNN Loses Defamation Suit, Ordered to Pay Navy Vet Millions!
More Verdicts set to come soon, CNN About to go Bankrupt...
A Florida jury found CNN liable for defaming Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in damages and agreeing that punitive damages are warranted. The lawsuit stemmed from a November 2021 report in which CNN's Alex Marquardt falsely implicated Young in black market activities related to Afghan evacuations, damaging his career and reputation.
Defamation Verdict
A Florida jury found CNN liable for defaming Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in damages.
The jury also determined that punitive damages should be assessed against CNN.
The defamation stemmed from a November 2021 CNN report in which Young was falsely implicated in black market activities related to Afghan evacuations after the Taliban's takeover.
Details of the Lawsuit
Young's lawsuit centered on a report by CNN's Alex Marquardt, which claimed that bad actors were charging high fees to Afghans attempting to flee the country, and featured Young’s name and face as a primary example of these alleged activities.
Young’s legal team argued that CNN published false and damaging claims about his business, which was focused on helping evacuate people from Afghanistan.
Evidence presented in court included internal communications from CNN staff, where Marquardt disparaged Young personally and questioned the integrity of the story.
Young argued that the defamatory statements had ruined his career prospects, leading to permanent unemployability and millions of dollars in lost income.
CNN’s Defense
CNN defended its reporting by claiming that parts of the report were opinion rather than fact and that at the time of the reporting, the network lacked full information about Young’s business.
The network stated that Young had been uncooperative and evasive when asked to explain his financials and business dealings, contributing to the negative portrayal.
CNN’s lead counsel questioned whether Young’s team had proven that there was a conspiracy or whether CNN had simply done its best with the limited information available.
Closing Arguments
Young’s lawyer emphasized that the damage to Young’s reputation went beyond financial losses, affecting his personal and professional integrity.
The lawyer described how the defamation had stripped Young of his dignity and pride in his career.
Next Steps in the Case
The case will move to phase two, where the jury will determine the amount of punitive damages CNN should pay for its actions.
The trial highlights the ongoing impact of media defamation cases, following other high-profile cases like those against Fox News and ABC.
GO DEEPER
A Florida jury found CNN liable for defaming Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in damages.
The jury also agreed that punitive damages are warranted against the network.
The case stems from a November 2021 CNN report where Alex Marquardt falsely claimed that bad actors, including Young, were exploiting Afghans fleeing the Taliban.
Young’s name and face were featured in both segments of the report aired on Jake Tapper and Jim Acosta’s shows.
Young’s legal team argued CNN published "lies" about his business extracting people from Afghanistan.
Evidence revealed CNN employees doubted the integrity of Marquardt’s story and that Marquardt had disparaged Young personally in internal communications.
Young claimed CNN’s defamatory statements made him unemployable in his career, causing millions in lost income.
CNN defended the report, stating it was based on limited information and that Young had been uncooperative when asked to explain his business.
Closing arguments saw CNN’s counsel questioning whether Young’s team had proven a conspiracy, while Young’s lawyer argued the damage was beyond monetary loss.
The trial will now move to phase two, where the amount of punitive damages CNN will owe will be determined.