CNN Faces $1 Billion Defamation Trial Over Navy Veteran Report

Zachary Young alleges CNN's 2021 report falsely implied illegal activity, damaging his reputation and career.

Zachary Young, a Navy veteran, is suing CNN for defamation, claiming a 2021 segment implied he operated in a 'black market' during Afghanistan evacuations, harming his reputation and business.
CNN senior editor Fuzz Hogan testified that he approved the report but denied intending to label Young as part of a 'black market,' while also stating he disagreed with CNN's later apology for the segment.
Expert witnesses, including a retired general, testified that the CNN report caused significant reputational damage to Young, making him 'too risky' to hire despite his successful evacuation efforts.
Young claims the report omitted key details, such as his successful evacuation of 22 women and a child from Afghanistan, while portraying him as charging 'exorbitant' fees without evidence of success.
The trial has seen heated exchanges, with accusations of 'trial by ambush' over late evidence submissions and emotional testimony from Young about the personal and financial toll of the report.