Busted! CNN Forced to Pay $5M for Their Wild Claims About a Navy Hero – See the Explosive Details!

A Florida jury has held CNN accountable for defaming a Navy veteran who played a critical role in rescuing people during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal orchestrated by President Joe Biden. The network has been ordered to pay $5 million in damages, marking a significant victory for the plaintiff, Zachary Young.

The trial, which lasted two weeks, took place in Panama City, Florida, and culminated in a swift decision. The six-member jury reached their verdict in less than nine hours, finding CNN guilty of harming Young’s reputation and livelihood. Following the ruling, punitive damages were under discussion when CNN opted to settle, reportedly for an undisclosed amount. Some legal experts speculate the settlement may have been as high as $25 million.

Background of the Case

Zachary Young, a military veteran turned security contractor, accused CNN of destroying his business by portraying him in a negative light during its coverage of the Afghanistan pullout. CNN aired a segment that showed Young’s face while discussing a so-called “black market” operation, suggesting he charged desperate Afghans exorbitant fees to escape the Taliban’s takeover.

Young vehemently denied the allegations, explaining that his business focused on finding sponsors willing to pay for evacuation efforts, rather than charging individual Afghans up to $10,000 per rescue. He described the fallout from CNN’s report as devastating, saying it caused severe depression, panic attacks, and the loss of millions in potential income.

“They treated me as guilty until proven innocent,” Young testified, a sentiment echoed by juror-submitted questions during the trial.

CNN’s Defense and Internal Controversies

CNN acknowledged that the term “black market” may have been poorly chosen but stood by the overall accuracy of its reporting. Alex Marquardt, the CNN journalist behind the segment, testified, “My story was not a hit piece.” However, private messages entered into evidence revealed Marquardt had shared unflattering and profane comments about Young during the story’s development, further undermining CNN’s defense.

A spokesperson for CNN responded to the verdict, stating, “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.”

Revealed Financial Struggles

The trial also shed light on CNN’s declining financial health. Court records revealed that the network’s profits fell from $600 million in 2021 to $300 million in 2022, before recovering slightly to $400 million in 2023. This represented an 18% drop in revenue over three years, highlighting challenges for the ratings-challenged network.

Implications for the Media

This case underscores the risks media outlets face in defamation lawsuits, particularly in conservative-leaning jurisdictions like Panama City. Legal experts noted that jury pools in such areas might be less sympathetic to networks perceived as left-leaning, much like a hypothetical lawsuit against former President Donald Trump in New York might face biases.

Defamation cases are rare in the U.S. due to stringent constitutional protections for the press, but the stakes are high when they go to trial. This is why many media companies opt to settle rather than risk a costly legal battle. For instance, last month, ABC News’ parent company, Disney, settled a libel case brought by Trump for $16 million rather than pursuing prolonged litigation.

A Message to the Media

Young’s lawyers urged jurors to “send a message to the media” about the importance of fair and accurate reporting. This verdict—and the subsequent settlement—serves as a cautionary tale for news organizations, emphasizing the need for diligence and integrity in their reporting.

As for Zachary Young, this legal victory marks a step toward reclaiming his reputation and rebuilding the business he says was unjustly tarnished. The case also serves as a reminder of the profound impact that journalism can have on individuals’ lives and livelihoods.