CNN to Pay $5 Million for Defaming Navy Veteran in Afghan Evacuation Report

Jan 17, 2025, 05:53 PM

A Florida jury has found CNN liable for defaming U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, ordering the network to pay $5 million in damages. The case revolves around a 2021 report involving Jake Tapper that portrayed Young as an "illegal profiteer" running a "black market" operation during the Afghanistan evacuation. The jury will next decide on punitive damages, which could increase the total amount owed by CNN.