Three expert witnesses took the stand in Panama City, Florida, to support Navy veteran Zachary Young’s claims that CNN defamed him in a segment suggesting he was profiting illegally from Afghan evacuations.
Key Facts:
• Plaintiff Zachary Young says CNN’s 2021 report implied he exploited desperate people escaping Afghanistan.
• A retired Major General testified that the fees Young charged were “reasonable.”
• An accountant hired by Young estimates he lost over $21 million since CNN’s reporting.
• A clinical psychologist diagnosed Young with depression and stress-related disorders, which the plaintiff ties to CNN’s coverage.
• CNN’s attorney disputed the witnesses’ methods and questioned their knowledge of Young’s background.
The Rest of The Story:
In November 2021, CNN aired a story claiming Young was engaged in “black market” activities during the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Young insists he offered corporate and private clients evacuation services at fair costs.
He says CNN’s portrayal led to loss of future business opportunities.
Major Gen. James V. Young (no relation) testified that, in his view, hiring Zachary Young before the CNN segment aired would have been attractive due to the plaintiff’s known connections.
He also stated he would not hire him now, calling the negative press too risky.
Defense counsel questioned whether the Major General had ever met Young or verified his credentials, and he admitted he had not.
An accountant working for Young calculates the veteran’s financial losses to be more than $21 million.
CNN’s lawyers challenged those figures, suggesting the data was incomplete.
A psychologist testified that Young’s emotional well-being spiraled due to the news coverage.
The defense raised doubts about whether other factors might be involved.
Defamation Trial: CNN 'Fact-Checker' Admits He Didn’t Check Facts First https://t.co/uYRzSO4R86
— MRC NewsBusters (@newsbusters) January 12, 2025
Commentary:
We think CNN is in serious trouble this time.
Left-leaning media outlets have acted for years as if they can say whatever they please without verifying the facts.
Recent court cases show that no one is above the law.
It’s about time mainstream news returns to honest, fact-based reporting free from political bias.
The Bottom Line:
Both sides continue to argue over the accuracy and impact of CNN’s reporting.
Young maintains the coverage derailed his professional future, while CNN stands by its claims, saying the report was fair and that any distress or financial damage may not be tied solely to the network.
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The trial’s outcome may shape future defamation cases involving major media outlets.