Veteran Takes Legal Action Against CNN Regarding Afghanistan Report

A U.S. Navy veteran’s defamation lawsuit against CNN over its Afghanistan coverage is set to expose the network’s financial secrets.

At a Glance

Zachary Young, a Navy veteran, is suing CNN for defamation over a 2021 segment
The lawsuit claims CNN falsely portrayed Young’s company as an illegal profiteer during the Afghanistan withdrawal
Mediation attempts failed, and the case is scheduled for trial in January 2025
Young has been granted permission to subpoena CNN’s financial records
Internal CNN communications suggest doubts about the segment’s accuracy

Navy Veteran Takes on Media Giant

Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran and head of Nemex Enterprises Inc., has initiated a high-stakes legal battle against CNN. The lawsuit stems from a November 11, 2021 segment on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” that Young claims “destroyed his reputation and business by branding him an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans” during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The case, set for trial on January 6, 2025, in the Circuit Court for Bay County, Florida, could have far-reaching implications for CNN and media accountability. Young’s legal team, led by attorney Vel Freedman, asserts there is “zero chance this case gets stopped before trial” because his client’s goal is to “take CNN to task.”

Failed Mediation and Financial Exposure

Recent developments have intensified the legal showdown. Mediation attempts on September 11, 2024, ended in an impasse, with the settlement amount undisclosed but reportedly substantial due to potential damages exceeding $1 billion. In a significant ruling, Judge William Henry has permitted Young to subpoena CNN for sensitive financial information to determine the network’s net worth.

“Essentially, this will act as a way to double check to see if CNN was being honest with the financial documents they were turning over as part of discovery; comparing what they turned over to Young’s legal team vs what they told corporate,” explained NewsBusters associate editor Nicholas Fondacaro.

This financial exposure extends to CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who has been ordered to disclose his salary and contract negotiations. The unprecedented access to CNN’s financial records could reveal the true extent of the network’s resources and potentially influence the outcome of the case.

Allegations of Defamation and Actual Malice

At the heart of the lawsuit is CNN’s coverage of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The segment in question stated, “Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demands of exorbitant fees, and no guarantee of safety or success.” Young alleges that CNN’s use of terms like “black market,” “exploit,” and “exorbitant” falsely portrayed him and his company as bad actors.

The case has gained momentum as internal CNN communications have surfaced, showing that the network had internal doubts about the segment’s accuracy. These revelations have added weight to Young’s claims of defamation and actual malice. The First District Court of Appeal for Florida ruled that Young provided sufficient evidence to seek punitive damages, a decision that could significantly increase CNN’s potential liability.

Implications for Media Accountability

This lawsuit comes at a critical time for CNN, as the network prepares for a presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump. The case highlights the ongoing debate about media responsibility and the consequences of potentially inaccurate reporting, especially in sensitive geopolitical contexts like the Afghanistan withdrawal.

As the trial date approaches, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how news organizations handle sensitive stories and the potential consequences of rushing to air controversial content without thorough fact-checking. For Zachary Young and other veterans who have served their country, the case represents a fight for reputation and honor in the face of what they perceive as unjust media portrayal.