CNN Found Liable for Defamation, Ordered to Pay $5 Million in Damages
A U.S. Jury Rules in Favor of Zachary Young Over Defamation Claims Related to Afghanistan Rescue Efforts
A U.S. jury has ruled that CNN is liable for defamation against Zachary Young, awarding him $5 million in compensatory damages.
The decision, reached after more than three years of legal disputes and an intensive eight-day trial, follows allegations that CNN tarnished Young's reputation by asserting he unlawfully profited while assisting individuals fleeing Afghanistan during the U.S. troop withdrawal.
The jury's verdict was delivered at the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Bay County, Florida, presided over by Judge William S. Henry.
Notably, Judge Henry previously determined that Young's actions were neither illegal nor criminal, contrary to CNN's reporting.
This legal conclusion came in light of a segment aired by CNN anchor Jake Tapper on November 11, 2021, which highlighted the plight of desperate Afghans attempting to escape and claimed exploitation by individuals charging exorbitant fees.
The report, co-authored with CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt, specifically identified Young, alleging his company sought $75,000 to transport passengers to Pakistan or $14,500 per person to reach the United Arab Emirates.
However, the broadcast featured Young's image without naming any other individuals or companies purportedly profiting from these rescue efforts, according to reports from RT Balkan.
The punitive damages amount, to be determined at a later date, remains pending as part of the judicial process.
The decision, reached after more than three years of legal disputes and an intensive eight-day trial, follows allegations that CNN tarnished Young's reputation by asserting he unlawfully profited while assisting individuals fleeing Afghanistan during the U.S. troop withdrawal.
The jury's verdict was delivered at the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Bay County, Florida, presided over by Judge William S. Henry.
Notably, Judge Henry previously determined that Young's actions were neither illegal nor criminal, contrary to CNN's reporting.
This legal conclusion came in light of a segment aired by CNN anchor Jake Tapper on November 11, 2021, which highlighted the plight of desperate Afghans attempting to escape and claimed exploitation by individuals charging exorbitant fees.
The report, co-authored with CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt, specifically identified Young, alleging his company sought $75,000 to transport passengers to Pakistan or $14,500 per person to reach the United Arab Emirates.
However, the broadcast featured Young's image without naming any other individuals or companies purportedly profiting from these rescue efforts, according to reports from RT Balkan.
The punitive damages amount, to be determined at a later date, remains pending as part of the judicial process.
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