(DCWatchdog.com) – In a great legal victory over leftist bias, mainstream media giant CNN has seen itself forced to settle a defamation lawsuit brought against it by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, further demonstrating the media’s struggle with accountability.
See the tweet below!
Young, a key player in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was wronged by CNN’s reporting, leading to a critical $5 million verdict before reaching settlement.
Last year, a Florida jury found CNN guilty of defaming Young, in essence tarnishing his name and business.
Young operated a private security firm that aided in the evacuation efforts amid the chaos in Afghanistan post-Taliban takeover.
CNN’s report accused him of illicit activities, a charge the court did not agree with, AP News reports.
The case, heard in a conservative Panama City, Florida, court, illustrated animosity toward CNN’s narrative, with the jury siding in Young’s favor.
The trial centered on a damaging 2021 report by CNN accusing Young of profiteering from a “black market” scheme to evacuate Afghans for “exorbitant fees.”
The jury determined CNN’s use of “actual malice” in its unfounded assertions against Young, The New York Post stresses in a report.
CNN has maintained that their reporting was intended to be fair, though they’ve issued an apology for the misleading narrative of a “black market.”
Despite their reluctance, the settlement avoids a second legal phase over punitive damages—a smart move from a financial perspective.
“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,” stated a CNN spokesperson.
BREAKING: CNN just lost in court and has been ordered to pay $5 MILLION for defaming the U.S. Navy veteran who helped during the Afghanistan evacuation
Zachary Young was a contractor during the debacle, and CNN labeled him an “illegal profiteer” and wrote a report suggesting he… pic.twitter.com/d3I6qFoSAJ
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 17, 2025
Meanwhile, Young admits facing depression and panic attacks due to CNN’s smear.
However, he has pursued this suit not for financial gain but to reclaim his name. “It’s devastating if you’re labeled a criminal all over the world,” Young said.
“Holding CNN accountable” is his triumph here, hoping for career recovery following this legal vindication.
This settlement reflects a broader push against media giants mishandling narratives and demonstrates the increasing importance of accountability in journalism, especially when targeting American patriots and veterans.
This case offers a stark message on the necessary checks required against “actual malice” and faulty media narratives.
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