A Florida jury has found CNN liable for defaming U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young in a 2021 story regarding his involvement in rescuing endangered Afghans after the Taliban takeover. Young, who also worked as a contractor in Afghanistan, claimed that the report tarnished his reputation and negatively impacted his business. As a result of the defamation, Young was awarded $5 million in damages, as well as an additional settlement amount for punitive damages, which was not disclosed.
The ruling highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of publishing false or misleading information. The case serves as a reminder to media outlets to thoroughly fact-check and verify their sources before publishing stories that could harm the reputation of individuals.
CNN has yet to comment on the verdict, but the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the media industry as a whole. As news organizations continue to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of reporting on sensitive and controversial topics, the importance of upholding journalistic integrity and ethics remains paramount.
Watch the video by NBC News
Video “Jury finds CNN liable for defaming Navy veteran who worked as contractor in Afghanistan” was uploaded on 01/18/2025 to Youtube Channel NBC News