CNN is facing a defamation lawsuit in a Florida courtroom during the week of Jan. 6, after airing a segment about private contractors allegedly exploiting Afghans during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. A Navy veteran featured in the piece is suing the network, claiming CNN sensationalized the story, which led to damage to his image and business.
The segment focused on private contractors allegedly charging large sums of money to help Afghans flee the country amid the Taliban’s return. CNN’s reporter referred to these evacuations as “black market” operations.
Zachary Young, the only contractor mentioned by name in the segment, filed the lawsuit, saying CNN falsely accused him of illegal activity and turned him into an “international pariah.”
Young’s lawyer called the segment “a hit piece,” claiming CNN “wanted to tell America a more sensational story.” His lawyers also claim CNN had unfairly painted Young as a villain.
The lawyer said that Young went from being a patriot to being labeled a criminal and that CNN’s “reckless reporting” destroyed his career.
Young maintains that he never accepted money from individual Afghans but was paid by sponsors and corporations, such as Audible and Bloomberg, to help evacuate more than a dozen people from Afghanistan.
CNN’s lawyer, however, argued that the report was accurate. During the trial, the network’s attorney told the jury, “Every word you are going to see from CNN’s reporters was true and was accurate. There is no evidence in this case that there was anything sensational in the story.”
Young’s lawyer also introduced text messages from CNN reporters and editors obtained through the lawsuit. In the texts, reporters referred to Young as having a “punchable face” and mocked him. Young testified that being labeled a criminal was devastating, especially for someone like him who works in private security, where discretion is paramount.
Five months after the segment aired, CNN issued an on-air apology, stating its use of the phrase “black market” was wrong and clarifying that it did not intend to suggest Young was involved in illegal activities.
This case highlights the growing challenges faced by traditional media in an era marked by misinformation, media mistrust and calls for greater accountability. With declining viewership, revenue and increasing competition from digital platforms, legacy media outlets like CNN are navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
The defamation lawsuit could further damage CNN’s image, as internal communications and behind-the-scenes operations become part of the trial.
Defamation cases against media outlets are rare due to strong U.S. protections for the press, often resulting in dismissals or settlements. Just last month, ABC paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by former President Donald Trump. In 2023, Fox News settled a high-profile libel case with Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million.
CNN’s defamation trial is expected to last two weeks.
