Man Sues CNN Over Story
It’s time to jump right into a story making waves in the media landscape as CNN faces a defamation lawsuit stemming from a 2021 report about the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. This legal battle is heating up just as the network gears up for the highly anticipated presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump.
The First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida recently ruled that plaintiff Zachary Young provided enough evidence to move forward with a defamation suit against CNN, seeking punitive damages. Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, claims that CNN smeared his security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., by implying it illegally profited during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Back in November 2021, CNN aired a segment on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” that focused on the struggles of Afghans trying to flee the country. Tapper introduced the segment, highlighting the desperate situation many Afghans faced, including exorbitant fees and uncertain outcomes. Correspondent Alex Marquardt singled out Young, accusing his company of charging $75,000 to transport a vehicle of passengers to Pakistan and $14,500 per person to the United Arab Emirates. Marquardt reported these prices were “well beyond the reach of most Afghans.”
Marquardt mentioned that CNN had tried to contact Young, who didn’t respond immediately but later explained via text that evacuation costs were high due to volatile conditions. Despite Young’s attempt to clarify, Marquardt noted Young’s refusal to break down the costs or confirm if he was profiting.
Young argues that CNN’s use of terms like “black market,” “exploit,” and “exorbitant” painted him as a predator taking advantage of desperate people. According to court documents, Young provided evidence of internal CNN communications expressing doubts about the story’s accuracy and completeness. Phrases like “the story is 80% emotion, 20% obscured fact,” and “full of holes like Swiss cheese” were noted, yet the segment aired regardless.
Additionally, Young highlighted a message exchange with Marquardt hours before publication, where he pointed out factual inaccuracies. Despite this, CNN proceeded with the story. Internal communications also revealed CNN staff using profanities and disparaging language about Young, including Marquardt referring to him as “f—ing Young” and quipping, “it’s your funeral bucko.”
CNN’s defense argues there was no intent to harm and claims their language was either opinion or ambiguous. They also referred to the internal communications as “journalistic bravado,” reflecting a sincere belief in their reporting. However, the judges noted these internal concerns and the dismissive attitude toward Young’s responses.
Interestingly, the segment in question has since been removed from CNN’s transcript archive but remains available on NewsBusters, a conservative media watchdog. NewsBusters criticized CNN for not addressing the inherent dangers involved in evacuating people from a country under terrorist control.
As CNN prepares for the presidential debate moderated by Jake Tapper, this lawsuit adds another layer of intrigue. Will Tapper’s “journalistic bravado” be on display during the debate? Only time will tell.