$1 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN Gains Momentum

FrontPageDetectives.com has learned that CNN has brought on new legal representation in response to a recent defamation lawsuit. CNN has faced more than one defamation battle in recent years, including a high-profile case with high school student Nicholas Sandmann. Navy veteran Zachary Young has sued the network for allegedly claiming his firm of unlawfully profiting during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. So far, attempts to settle the lawsuit outside of trial have failed. NewsBusters editor Nicholas Fondacaro said the “amount offered to make the lawsuit go away was not disclosed, but it would have needed to be fairly substantial to negate the allure of a possible $1 billion between compensatory, emotional, and punitive damages.”

Sandmann alleged defamation due to misrepresentation of his actions during a confrontation with Native American activists in 2019. The case was ultimately settled by CNN for an undisclosed amount.

Most recently, US Navy veteran Zachary Young has claimed that CNN wrongfully accused his firm of unlawfully profiting during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Young’s lawsuit stems from a segment on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” where his company was implicated in exploiting desperate Afghans.

Despite attempts at settlement, negotiations failed, and the case is set to go to trial in January 2025.

Young’s attorney argues that CNN’s actions were malicious and have severely damaged Young’s reputation and business.

“More lawyers don’t change the underlying facts, which demonstrate CNN defamed Mr. Young, did so maliciously, and as a result, must face the consequences this January. It won’t change the outcome either,” Young’s attorney Vel Freeman said.

The court has allowed Young to subpoena CNN for financial information to assess the network’s net worth in relation to the lawsuit.