Attorneys representing U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young stated that his reputation and earnings were tarnished by a 2021 CNN report on war profiteers after the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report alleged that Afghans were being charged high fees for help in leaving the country. Young, a security consultant, claimed the report falsely portrayed him as engaging in illegal activities, causing his income to plummet from $350,000 to zero. He sued CNN in a Florida court, seeking damages for loss of income and emotional distress.
The trial hinges on whether CNN journalists acted with actual malice in publishing false information about Young. While media companies often settle defamation cases before going to court, CNN is defending the report and the term “black market” used in it. CNN’s attorney argued that the term was not directly applied to Young and that the report was accurate. Young’s attorney, however, contended that the term implied illegal activity, damaging his client’s reputation.
Despite CNN executive’s initial skepticism about the report, it was cleared for air and eventually published. Young, who did not sit for an interview with CNN, sent messages acknowledging the high costs of his services. The trial includes internal communications and emails that allegedly show CNN taking pleasure in portraying Young negatively.
The trial is seen as a test of mainstream media credibility in the face of constant attacks by the political right. As the trial continues, both sides are presenting their arguments, with Young’s attorney painting CNN as intentionally targeting his client, while CNN maintains the accuracy of its reporting. The trial is set to continue with testimonies from both Young and the CNN correspondent who authored the report.
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