Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran and former U.S. government operative, is accusing CNN of defamation in a case that is currently on trial in Florida.
Why It Matters
Defamation trials are rare in the U.S. due to constitutional protections for the press, which make proving libel difficult.
There have been several recent high-profile defamation cases against media companies.
Last month, President-elect Donald Trump settled a lawsuit with ABC News for $15 million after the outlet broadcasted claims that Trump had raped, rather than sexually assaulted, writer E. Jean Carroll.
In April of last year, Fox News settled a lawsuit for $787 million after broadcasting inaccurate claims that voting machines were rigged in the 2020 election.
What To Know
Young continued his testimony in the trial on Thursday. He was the first to testify after opening statements were presented.
Who is Zachary Young? Navy Veteran Involved in CNN Defamation Trial
Young is a U.S. citizen who resides in Vienna, Austria. He served in the Navy for four years before attending college and graduate school. He began working for a U.S. military contractor while in graduate school and was recruited by a U.S. government agency.
Young operates a private security consulting practice through his company, Nemex Enterprises, Inc. Through his work, he helped evacuate Afghan citizens during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Why is Zachary Young taking legal action against CNN?
Young said CNN accused him of "exploiting" "desperate Afghans" by offering evacuations from the nation on a "black market." He said the claims were "lies published for sensationalism."
In the lawsuit, Young said he operated legally and never profited from Afghans.
He is accusing CNN of defamation and libel.
When did the segment air on CNN?
The segment was first aired on CNN's The Lead with Jake Tapper on November 11, 2011. The segment was played again on a show hosted by Jim Acosta, according to Young's lawsuit.
Young said the story also appeared on CNN's website and social media.
What does the defamation lawsuit claim?
Young alleged CNN "maliciously destroyed" his "hard-earned reputation and his livelihood" by airing the segment.
He said he was rendered "permanently unemployable" and suffered "millions of dollars in lost income" as a result of the segment.
The lawsuit also alleges CNN "sacrificed actual human lives for the sake of ratings," since Young was no longer able to offer his services to the people of Afghanistan following the segment.
CNN denied many of the allegations raised by Young and tried to get the case dismissed in 2022. The network's motion to dismiss said the reporting did not contain false statements.
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, a 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."
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to last two weeks and include testimony from CNN journalists and executives.
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