In a landmark decision, a Florida jury concluded that CNN defamed U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, resulting in significant compensatory damages and a subsequent settlement for punitive damages.
According to Fox News, A jury awarded Zachary Young $5 million in damages after finding CNN liable for defamation during its coverage of his role in Afghan evacuations.
The case, held in Florida's 14th Judicial Circuit Court, involved intense deliberations by the jury that lasted over eight hours. CNN faced accusations of broadcasting false statements about Young in a report aired on November 11, 2021, on "The Lead with Jake Tapper." The report suggested that Young had illegally profited from his efforts to assist Afghan evacuations during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
During the trial, which spanned eight days, tensions flared on multiple occasions, reflecting the case's complexity and the parties’ fervent demonstrations. Judge William S. Henry presided over the proceedings, emphasizing the gravity of considering punitive damages against the network.
The jury ultimately decided on awarding Young $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages like pain and suffering, highlighting the significant impact of CNN's report on his reputation and career.
Following the jury’s decision on compensatory damages, Young and CNN reached an undisclosed settlement concerning punitive damages. Judge Henry had instructed on the severe nature of assessing punitive damages as a token of punishment for CNN's conduct, prompting this development.
In response, CNN noted the lessons it learned from the trial without disclosing the settled amount. "We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless, and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will, of course, take what useful lessons we can from this case," said a CNN spokesperson.
The contentious segment of CNN’s report portrayed Young’s efforts in helping Afghans flee the turmoil as exploitation. It alleged that Young's company charged high fees, while Young himself declined to disclose the specifics of his earnings publicly on the show.
This portrayal sparked the defamation lawsuit, as it cast significant doubt on Young's character and motives during a highly sensitive and humanitarian crisis. Internal communications from CNN brought forward during the trial, showcased a robust defense of their report but also revealed a disparaging view of Young amongst the network’s staff.
The situation was exacerbated when CNN's counsel was rebuked by Judge Henry for inappropriate behavior during the proceedings, pointing to a contentious courtroom atmosphere as the parties battled over the allegations and their implications.
Vel Freedman, Young’s lead attorney, voiced sharp criticism regarding CNN’s report during the trial. "It was a calculated attack by CNN on his character that has inflicted deep and lasting wounds," Freedman stated, reflecting the grievous nature of the defamation perceived by Young and his legal team.
Further complicating the network's position, Freedman highlighted during the trial that none of the CNN staffers involved expressed remorse, with all willing to repeat the same choices regarding their coverage. This stance has raised questions about journalistic integrity and accountability within major news organizations.
The outcome of this trial not only brings considerable financial remuneration to Zachary Young but also brings to light significant considerations for journalism ethics and the responsibility media companies hold in their reporting, particularly in matters involving reputational harm.
