CNN settles defamation case with US navy veteran for $5 million after jury verdict

On Friday, CNN reached a settlement with a U.S. Navy veteran who assisted in evacuating individuals from Afghanistan following the U.S. military’s exit in 2021, according to a judge, just hours after a jury ruled the news network was liable for defaming him. The six-member jury determined that CNN must pay a total of $5 million in damages. The agreement will prevent a second stage of the trial that would have decided any punitive damages. The ruling came after a two-week trial in a state court in Panama City, Florida. Circuit Judge William Henry revealed no specifics about the agreement while announcing the settlement in open court.

Plaintiff Zachary Young filed a lawsuit against CNN in 2022, alleging that the Warner Bros Discovery division harmed his reputation in a segment on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” by labeling him as a profiteer who took advantage of desperate Afghans by imposing excessive charges.

CNN upheld its report and rejected allegations of defaming Young, although the network expressed in March 2022 that it regretted utilizing the phrase “black market” to characterize Young’s efforts. A CNN spokesperson stated that the network is proud of its journalists but “will certainly learn from the valuable lessons this case presents.” The spokesperson refused to provide specifics about the agreement.

Young’s attorney Vel Freedman expressed in a statement his satisfaction in exonerating Young, securing punitive damages, and resolving the case. Young, dressed in a dark suit and blue tie, smiled while Henry expressed gratitude to the lawyers for their efforts before they were dismissed.

The situation arises from Young’s role as a security consultant assisting companies and nonprofits in evacuating individuals from Afghanistan after the Taliban rapidly regained power following the tumultuous U.S. exit. In a report on The Lead, CNN stated that “desperate Afghans” attempting to flee the nation were being “exploited” with “outrageous” and “unfeasible” charges for evacuations.

The segment turned to focus on Young, displaying his name and photo next to a chyron saying evacuees faced a perilous “black market.”

“The sum and substance of the segment states and implies that Young marketed evacuations directly to Afghan citizens, that he exploited Afghan citizens, and that he sold them illegal goods/services on a black market,” Young said in his lawsuit.