CNN is on trial in Florida as the network is accused of defaming a U.S. Navy veteran.
Why It Matters
Zach Young is a U.S. Navy Veteran who operates a private security consulting practice through his company, Nemex Enterprises, Inc. Through his work, Young helped evacuate Afghan citizens during the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Young was featured on a segment of CNN‘s The Lead with Jake Tapper in 2011.
Defamation trials are rare in the U.S. due to constitutional protections for the press, which make proving libel difficult.
What To Know
Young filed the lawsuit against CNN in 2022. He accused the company of defamation and libel.
Young said CNN accused him of “exploiting” “desperate Afghans” by offering evacuations from Afghanistan on a “black market.” He said the claims were “lies published for sensationalism.”
In the complaint, Young said he operated legally and never profited from Afghans.
He said CNN “maliciously destroyed Young’s hard-earned reputation and his livelihood” by publishing the segment.
After the segment aired, Young said he was rendered “permanently unemployable” and suffered “millions of dollars in lost income.”
The lawsuit also alleges CNN “sacrificed actual human lives for the sake of ratings,” as Young was no longer able to offer his services to the people of Afghanistan.
CNN denied many of the allegations raised by Young. The network unsuccessfully tried to get the case dismissed in 2022. The motion alleges that Young “fails to set forth any viable claim against CNN.” The network added that its reporting did not contain false statements.
Young was the first to take the stand after opening statements were presented.
What People Are Saying
Young, in his testimony: “It’s devastating when you’re labeled a criminal all over the world for someone like me.”
David L. Axelrod, lawyer representing CNN, in his opening statement: “These stories were carefully researched, they were carefully written, and many experienced journalists at CNN put eyes on these stories. Neither story accused Mr. Young of doing anything illegal.”
Kyle Roche, lawyer representing Young, in his opening statement: “The message we’re going to ask you to send is that reckless journalism is un-American, it’s dangerous, and if media companies engage in theater in the newsroom, America will hold them accountable in the courtroom.”
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to last two weeks and include testimony from CNN journalists and executives.
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