Florida Jury Finds CNN Defamed Navy Veteran Over 'Black Market' Claim; Network Settles After $5 Million Award

Jan 17, 2025, 06:13 PM

A Florida jury has found CNN liable for defamation against U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young in connection with a 2021 report on the Afghan evacuation. The network was ordered to pay Young $5 million in compensatory damages, comprising $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million for pain and suffering, after jurors determined that CNN falsely portrayed him as operating a 'black market' operation and illegally profiting from helping Afghans flee the country. The defamatory statements were broadcast on segments hosted by Jake Tapper and Jim Acosta. During the punitive damages phase, CNN's lawyer argued that imposing additional damages would harm the financially struggling network, revealing that CNN's revenue had declined by $400 million over the past three years to $1.8 billion in 2023. Before the jury could decide on punitive damages, CNN and Young reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount. In a statement, CNN said it remained '100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting' and would take 'useful lessons' from the case.