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Thursday, Feb 06, 2025
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CNN Reaches Settlement in Defamation Lawsuit with U.S. Navy Veteran Following $5 Million Verdict
The agreement was reached just hours after a Florida jury sided with the plaintiff, Navy veteran Zachary Young, in a defamation case.
PANAMA CITY, Florida, Jan 17, 2025 — CNN finalized a settlement on Friday with U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, bringing to a close a defamation lawsuit in which a jury had previously awarded $5 million in damages to Young.
Circuit Judge William Henry announced the settlement, which was reached shortly after the jury’s decision, thereby bypassing a second trial phase to assess punitive damages.
Case Background
Zachary Young, a former Navy serviceman and security consultant, initiated legal action against CNN in 2022, claiming that the network tarnished his reputation by depicting him as a profiteer taking advantage of Afghan citizens during the tumultuous U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. These allegations arose from a segment on CNN’s 'The Lead with Jake Tapper,' which characterized Young’s activities as part of a 'black market' operation charging 'exorbitant' fees to Afghans desperate to evacuate.
Young asserted that his efforts were focused on aiding corporations and charities in evacuating individuals after the Taliban retook control.
His lawsuit contended that CNN’s reporting unjustly suggested he exploited Afghans and engaged in unlawful conduct.
Legal Proceedings
The trial, held in a Florida state court, spanned two weeks and featured testimonies from both parties involved.
The jury, consisting of six members, found CNN guilty of defamation and awarded Young $5 million.
This verdict paved the way for a second phase to determine punitive damages, which the settlement now eliminates.
In court, CNN defended its reportage but admitted in March 2022 that it regretted the use of the term 'black market' in relation to Young’s work.
Following the settlement, CNN issued a statement expressing pride in its journalistic work while committing to learn from the case.
The settlement details remain undisclosed.
Statements from Both Sides
Vel Freedman, Young’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that the case vindicated Young and delivered justice for his client.
Young, wearing a dark suit and blue tie, was seen smiling as the proceedings wrapped up.
Judge Henry praised the legal teams for their efforts before closing the case.
A CNN spokesperson declined to provide specific settlement details but reaffirmed the network's dedication to its journalistic integrity.
Allegations and Impact
The lawsuit hinged on allegations that the segment unfairly associated Young with exploitation and unlawful activities.
The segment featured Young’s name and image alongside a caption referring to a 'black market' for evacuations, which Young claimed misrepresented his actions and intentions.
Young’s case underscores the complexities involved in reporting on sensitive issues, especially in situations involving humanitarian crises and security matters.
The settlement concludes a prominent defamation case that underscores the obligations of media outlets regarding their reporting standards.
Circuit Judge William Henry announced the settlement, which was reached shortly after the jury’s decision, thereby bypassing a second trial phase to assess punitive damages.
Case Background
Zachary Young, a former Navy serviceman and security consultant, initiated legal action against CNN in 2022, claiming that the network tarnished his reputation by depicting him as a profiteer taking advantage of Afghan citizens during the tumultuous U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. These allegations arose from a segment on CNN’s 'The Lead with Jake Tapper,' which characterized Young’s activities as part of a 'black market' operation charging 'exorbitant' fees to Afghans desperate to evacuate.
Young asserted that his efforts were focused on aiding corporations and charities in evacuating individuals after the Taliban retook control.
His lawsuit contended that CNN’s reporting unjustly suggested he exploited Afghans and engaged in unlawful conduct.
Legal Proceedings
The trial, held in a Florida state court, spanned two weeks and featured testimonies from both parties involved.
The jury, consisting of six members, found CNN guilty of defamation and awarded Young $5 million.
This verdict paved the way for a second phase to determine punitive damages, which the settlement now eliminates.
In court, CNN defended its reportage but admitted in March 2022 that it regretted the use of the term 'black market' in relation to Young’s work.
Following the settlement, CNN issued a statement expressing pride in its journalistic work while committing to learn from the case.
The settlement details remain undisclosed.
Statements from Both Sides
Vel Freedman, Young’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that the case vindicated Young and delivered justice for his client.
Young, wearing a dark suit and blue tie, was seen smiling as the proceedings wrapped up.
Judge Henry praised the legal teams for their efforts before closing the case.
A CNN spokesperson declined to provide specific settlement details but reaffirmed the network's dedication to its journalistic integrity.
Allegations and Impact
The lawsuit hinged on allegations that the segment unfairly associated Young with exploitation and unlawful activities.
The segment featured Young’s name and image alongside a caption referring to a 'black market' for evacuations, which Young claimed misrepresented his actions and intentions.
Young’s case underscores the complexities involved in reporting on sensitive issues, especially in situations involving humanitarian crises and security matters.
The settlement concludes a prominent defamation case that underscores the obligations of media outlets regarding their reporting standards.
