A jury in Panama City, Florida, has ruled that CNN defamed U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, awarding him $4 million for lost earnings. The jury also granted him $1 for personal damages, acknowledging that punitive damages against CNN are justified.
Young’s legal battle against CNN stems from a report that aired during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The report, led by correspondent Alex Marquardt, suggested that Young profited illegally while assisting Afghans trying to escape, which he claims has severely harmed his reputation and business.
Throughout the trial, Judge William S. Henry found that Young did not engage in any illegal activities, despite CNN’s assertions. Following the jury’s decision, the courtroom reacted with shock, and the judge instructed the jury on how to determine punitive damages based on additional evidence.
In his instructions, Judge Henry emphasized the importance of evaluating the behavior of CNN, including whether their misconduct appeared to be motivated by financial gain and if they acted with intent to harm Young. He ruled that the jury should suggest an amount for punitive damages that is fair but should not financially ruin CNN.
During the trial, internal messages from CNN staff were revealed, demonstrating a hostile attitude toward Young. One message referred to him as a “s–tbag,” undermining CNN’s credibility when it came to their claims of impartial reporting.
In a key moment, Young expressed how the CNN report affected his personal life, noting that he has saved many Afghans, an achievement that CNN never reported. Judge Henry’s comments and the evidence presented painted a picture of a network that was more interested in sensationalism than the truth.
This verdict highlights significant concerns over media accountability and the potential consequences of spreading misinformation. As the trial continues into the next phase, the focus will shift to determining the punitive damages that CNN will face for its actions against Young.
