A jury in Florida has ruled in favor of a U.S. Navy veteran in a defamation case against CNN, leading to a settlement on Friday that allows the news network to avoid the imposition of punitive damages. This ruling serves as a significant setback for CNN, which has been facing numerous challenges, particularly as Donald Trump resumes his presidential campaign and continues to incite antagonism towards the press among his supporters.
Zachary Young served as the plaintiff in this case, asserting that CNN’s reporting adversely impacted his business. The trial lasted less than two weeks, with the jury deliberating for over eight hours before reaching a verdict. Young claimed that a 2021 report on Jake Tapper’s show falsely depicted him as part of a “black market” operation facilitating the extraction of Afghans in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover. Young expressed relief through his attorney, Kyle Roche, stating that he felt acknowledged for the first time in years.
The jury awarded Young $5 million as compensatory damages, with discussions regarding punitive damages about to begin before Circuit Court Judge William S. Henry called for a settlement, the specifics of which were not disclosed. In a statement, CNN reaffirmed its commitment to delivering strong, fair, and fearless journalism while acknowledging that they would learn valuable lessons from the case.
Young’s enterprise specialized in assisting desperate individuals fleeing Afghanistan but worked primarily with affluent sponsors such as Bloomberg and Audible. CNN’s coverage raised concerns about contractors allegedly charging Afghans exorbitant fees, while Young testified that labeling his work as “black market” suggested illegal activity on his part, a detrimental accusation for which he expressed deep concern during the trial.
Although CNN defended its story as factual and fair, the outlet did apologize for utilizing the term “black market” a few months after its initial broadcast. Young’s legal team emphasized to jurors the importance of delivering a message to the media regarding accountability, which resonated during the trial as evidenced by jurors’ inquiries about whether Young was treated as guilty without merit.
Additionally, some internal communications from CNN became part of the proceedings, revealing disparaging remarks made about Young by reporter Alex Marquardt. During his testimony, Marquardt maintained that the intention behind the report aired on November 11, 2021, was not to target Young in a negative light.
In the U.S., defamation trials are not commonly pursued due to the robust legal protections afforded to journalists, making it challenging to demonstrate libel. Media organizations often opt for settlements when facing uncertain outcomes in court. The jurors involved in this case appeared unbothered by missing the possibility of a punitive phase, with a light-hearted note eliciting laughter regarding what they considered delays in the proceedings.
Last month, ABC agreed to settle a libel lawsuit brought by Trump for $15 million rather than contest statements made by George Stephanopoulos. Meanwhile, Fox News settled its lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million, just before the start of a trial regarding allegations of unfair reporting after the 2020 election.
