CNN Insiders React After Network Found Liable in Major Defamation Case

CNN recently settled a significant defamation lawsuit involving Navy veteran Zachary Young. Young accused the network of misrepresenting him in a report, suggesting he took advantage of Afghans during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

A jury in Florida decided in Young’s favor, initially awarding him $5 million in damages. This amount included $4 million for lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages. The jury was poised to consider punitive damages when the settlement was reached.

Young contended that a segment on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” in November 2021 tarnished his reputation and harmed his business. He argued the report unjustly depicted him as someone profiting illegally from helping people escape Afghanistan, labeling him a “black market” operator.

Throughout the two-week trial, Young’s attorneys presented various pieces of evidence, including internal communications from CNN. These messages painted a concerning picture of how the network managed the story.

Some of the messages showed CNN staff using disparaging language about Young, calling him names like “s–tbag” and “a–hole.” One message from correspondent Alex Marquardt mentioned, “We’re gonna nail this Zachary Young mf—er,” while another warned, “your funeral bucko.”

Thomas Lumley, CNN’s senior national security editor, testified and expressed doubts about the report through internal messages, calling it “pretty flawed” and comparing its quality to “Swiss cheese.”

Other employees at CNN, such as reporter Katie Bo Lillis, admitted they didn’t fully consider the potential impact of the segment on Young’s personal and professional life. The jury’s decision to award damages was a pivotal moment in the proceedings.

Before the jury could determine punitive damages, CNN and Young agreed on a settlement. After the conclusion of the case, Young expressed relief and satisfaction, stating, “It’s been a long three years, and to have the outcome that we wanted, which was vindication publicly, is an incredible feeling.”

Despite the trial’s growing attention, CNN provided limited coverage of the case. Media correspondent Hadas Gold wrote a short article on the verdict, and chief media analyst Brian Stelter briefly mentioned it in a newsletter. A review of CNN’s broadcasts showed no on-air discussion of the trial or its outcome.

Insiders at CNN noted that the case affected morale at the network, which is already dealing with declining ratings and reports of potential layoffs. One insider commented, “Being found liable for defamation and dishonesty is a bad thing.”

Another employee, speaking confidentially to Fox News Digital, suggested that the issue was due to an overzealous reporter rather than a systemic problem at CNN. However, another insider described the private messages uncovered during the trial as “damning.”

Following the settlement, CNN released a statement emphasizing its commitment to journalistic integrity. The network stated, “We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless, and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.”

Young hopes the case serves as a wake-up call for media organizations. He told Fox News Digital, “I hope that they take this as an opportunity to look in the mirror and realize that, you know, there is room for change and improvement.”

As mainstream media outlets face increasing scrutiny over their reporting practices, Young’s case highlights the critical importance of accuracy and fairness in journalism. For CNN, this case represents both a legal setback and an opportunity to reassess its editorial processes.

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Terry Littlepage

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