Panama City, Florida – Lawyers representing CNN and a U.S. Navy veteran completed jury selection Monday in Bay County, Florida, suing the network for defamation.
Six women and two men were selected. There will be six jurors and two alternates for opening arguments in the high-stakes trial, which begins Tuesday. U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young was accused by CNN of slandering the Biden administration's 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan by implying that he made illegal profits by helping people leave Afghanistan on the “black market.” claims.
In a segment that first aired on CNN's “The Read with Jake Tapper” on Nov. 11, 2021, Young said CNN called him a “profiteer” who exploited “desperate Afghans.” ” and believes it has “ruined its reputation and business.” Judge William S. Henry of the 14th Judicial Circuit, who presided over the trial, ruled that despite the station's broadcast, Young “did not engage in any illegal or criminal activity.” Judge Henry also suggested that CNN's final on-air apology was insufficient.
CNN appears in high-stakes defamation trial over Afghanistan division
U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young says CNN exploited “desperate Afghans” in a segment that first aired on CNN's “The Lead with Jake Tapper” on November 11, 2021. It labeled him a profiteer and believed it had “destroyed his reputation and business.”
Potential jurors weighed in on their thoughts on the media, veterans, punitive damages, whether they own stock in Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, how they make a living, and a variety of other issues. sprinkled with. The long process began when the first prospective juror declared, “I hate the media, especially CNN,” when asked if he could be impartial. When asked the same question, another person quickly responded, “I'm not a fan of CNN.”
One prospective juror said CNN was too “liberal” for his liking, and another believed the news organization could say anything about anyone and “play the victim” if called upon. Another juror, who might be able to remain impartial, added: I have nothing negative against CNN…I just don't see things the way they do. ”
CNN faces defamation lawsuit over Afghanistan withdrawal story: 'evidence of actual malice'
14th Judicial Circuit Judge William S. Henry. (Tyler Ausburn/Gannett)
CNN attorney Clifford Sanbord questions potential jurors.
One prospective juror caused bursts of laughter in the courtroom when he frankly explained why he wouldn't make a good juror.
“It's killing me to sit here…I'm hyperactive, I smoke, I have to pee,” he said.
At one point, prospective jurors were asked if they would be comfortable awarding someone more than $100 million in punitive damages. No one objected to it as long as “the evidence supports it.”
At least six potential jurors raised their hands in response to questions from Young's attorney, Vel Friedman. Do you think CNN creates “fake news”? The question came after one potential juror specifically referred to CNN by the nickname “fake news.”
None of the prospective jurors who defamed CNN were selected to serve on the jury. Men who were “hyperactive” were also not selected.
CNN files internal documents as part of high-stakes defamation lawsuit
U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young said on CNN's “The Lead with Jake Tapper” segment on Nov. 11, 2021, that CNN “rejects the label of a profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans.” “and ruined his reputation and business.” (CNN/Screenshot)
CNN's ratings problems are well-documented, with the network posting some of its lowest ratings in recent memory, but only one out of more than 40 prospective jurors regularly watches CNN. People in the courtroom seemed a little surprised that he said he was watching. Only two of the nominees knew who CNN anchor Jake Tapper was, and neither admitted to being a regular viewer of his show.
Adam Levine, CNN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of News, attended on behalf of the network. No other CNN staff members were seen.
The trial resumes Tuesday morning, and Young is expected to take the stand early in the proceedings. This is how the trial goes live streaming.
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