From Jack Queen
(Reuters) – CNN reached a settlement on Friday with a U.S. Navy veteran who helped evacuate people from Afghanistan after the U.S. military pulls out of the country in 2021, a judge said on Friday, hours after a jury found the broadcaster liable. for slandering him.
A six-judge jury ruled that CNN must pay damages totaling $5 million. The settlement will prevent a second phase of the trial that would determine all punitive damages. The verdict followed a two-week trial in Panama City, Florida, state court.
District Judge William Henry did not provide details of the deal when announcing the settlement in open court.
Plaintiff Zachary Young sued CNN in 2022, accusing the Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: ) unit of defaming him in “The Lead with Jake Tapper” segment by branding him a profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans by charging exorbitant fees.
CNN stood by its story and denied defaming Young, although the network said in March 2022 that it regretted using the term “black market” to describe Young’s work.
A representative for CNN said the network remains proud of its reporters, but “of course it will learn from this case any useful lessons.” A representative declined to offer details of the deal.
Young’s attorney, Vel Freedman, said in a statement that he was pleased to clear Young’s name, receive punitive damages and settle the case.
Young, in a dark suit and blue tie, smiled as Henry thanked the lawyers for their work before dismissing them.
The case stems from Young’s work as a security consultant helping corporations and charities get people out of Afghanistan after the Taliban quickly regained control following a chaotic US withdrawal.
In a segment on The Lead, CNN said “desperate Afghans” trying to flee the country were being “exploited” with “exorbitant” and “impossible” evacuation fees.
The segment focused on Young, showing his name and photo next to a chyron saying the evacuees were facing a dangerous “black market”.
“The summary and content of the segment alleges and implies that Young advertised evacuations directly to Afghan citizens, exploited Afghan citizens, and sold them illegal goods/services on the black market,” Young said in his lawsuit.
