A high-profile defamation case against CNN reveals damaging internal communications and questionable editorial practices within the news network.
According to Fox News, CNN was found liable for defamation and ordered to pay $5 million in damages to Navy veteran Zachary Young, who alleged the network falsely portrayed him as someone who illegally profited from helping people escape Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal.
The case exposed troubling internal messages from CNN staff members who expressed hostility toward Young, including one calling him a "s--tbag" and another saying he has a "punchable face." CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt was found to have written messages stating they were going to "nail this Zachary Young mf---er" and that the report would be "your funeral bucko."
CNN Staff Messages and Editorial Dysfunction Surface During Trial
The two-week trial in Florida uncovered significant issues within CNN's editorial process. Senior national security editor Thomas Lumley's testimony revealed he had serious doubts about the story, describing it as "full of holes like Swiss cheese" and "pretty flawed" in internal communications.
The network's journalists struggled to defend their editorial decisions on the witness stand. Reporter Katie Bo Lillis admitted she hadn't considered the potential impact of the segment on Young's reputation and personal life.
Several CNN figures testified they disagreed with the network's 2022 decision to apologize for suggesting Young operated on a "black market." This internal disagreement highlighted the confusion and lack of consensus within the organization regarding their editorial standards.
Network Faces Financial and Morale Challenges Amid Legal Defeat
A CNN employee acknowledged that while losing the case might have been anticipated, the verdict still dealt a significant blow to the network. The timing of this legal defeat coincides with reported upcoming layoffs and declining ratings.
The network's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is investing over $70 million in a digital transformation strategy. A spokesperson emphasized that CNN remains "very healthy" despite the current challenges.
Young, who was awarded $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million in personal damages, expressed his feelings after the verdict. He stated:
It's been a long three years, and to have the outcome that we wanted, which was vindication publicly, is an incredible feeling, and I'm glad that it's over, and we don't have to spend more years and more time arguing about the meaning of a word.
Legal Victory Prompts Calls for Media Accountability
CNN released a statement following the settlement, maintaining pride in their journalists while acknowledging the need for improvement:
We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.
Media critics have noted the significance of this verdict. Young expressed hope that the case would inspire positive change not only at CNN but throughout the media industry, encouraging organizations to examine their practices more carefully.
The Impact and Future Implications
The defamation case against CNN centered on a November 11, 2021, report that aired on "The Lead with Jake Tapper," which implied Zachary Young illegally profited from helping people flee Afghanistan.
The jury's verdict, which included both compensatory and punitive damages, led to a settlement between CNN and Young before the final punitive amount could be determined. The case has sparked discussions about journalistic integrity and accountability while exposing internal issues at one of America's prominent news networks.
