A jury in Panama City, Florida, has ruled that CNN defamed U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in damages. Young alleged that CNN falsely portrayed him as an illegal profiteer who exploited Afghans during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The jury will now determine the amount of punitive damages to be awarded against CNN.
A jury in Panama City, Florida, found CNN liable for defamation against U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young , awarding him $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million in personal damages. The jury also determined that punitive damages are warranted against CNN . This landmark verdict comes after a three-year legal battle and an eight-day trial that captivated national attention.
Young alleged that CNN's November 2021 report, which aired on 'The Lead with Jake Tapper,' falsely portrayed him as an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans fleeing the country during the chaotic withdrawal by the Biden administration. He claimed that CNN's reporting, which included a segment where reporter Alex Marquardt attempted to call Young on air, severely damaged his reputation and business.During the trial, Judge William S. Henry ruled that Young's actions were not illegal or criminal, contradicting CNN's on-air allegations. In his closing statement, Young's lead counsel, Vel Freedman, passionately urged the jury to hold CNN accountable for its actions, emphasizing the deep and lasting harm inflicted on Young's character. Freedman highlighted CNN's calculated attack and the deliberate use of inflammatory language to paint Young as a villain. The jury will now enter the second phase of the trial to determine the amount of punitive damages to be awarded against CNN. Judge Henry instructed the jurors to consider various factors, including the nature and extent of CNN's misconduct, whether it was motivated by financial gain, and the actual harm caused to Young. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that the punitive damages should not be excessive and should not financially destroy CNN. This complex case has raised important questions about media responsibility, the potential for defamation lawsuits against news organizations, and the impact of online reporting on individuals' lives
DEFAMATION CNN ZACHARY YOUNG PUNITIVE DAMAGES TRIAL
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