Navy Veteran Sues Associated Press for $500 Million Over Defamation
US Navy veteran Zachary Young is currently engaged in legal battles regarding a significant hearing scheduled for July 3rd in his lawsuit against the Associated Press. This comes after Young previously filed a suit against CNN over what he claimed was defamation; CNN suggested he had engaged in illicit activities related to helping people escape Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal in 2021.
In January, as the case progressed, Associated Press media reporter David Border noted that Young’s business was implicated in smuggling people from Afghanistan. Young’s legal team took issue with the term “smuggling,” asserting that the Associated Press article went beyond CNN’s accusations. Consequently, Young is pursuing nearly $500 million in damages for reputational harm against the Associated Press.
Associated Press Calls Lawsuit “Valueless”
Last week, the Associated Press responded by invoking Florida’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law, describing Young’s claims as “valueless” and filed a motion to dismiss the case. In their legal arguments, they contended that Young acknowledged that the term “smuggling” doesn’t inherently imply criminal wrongdoing, and suggested that the lawsuit should be dismissed outright.
Young’s legal representation refuted this, claiming that the Associated Press mischaracterized Young’s understanding of “smuggling” in legal contexts. They argued that the term universally suggests criminal behavior, emphasizing that it’s essential for the court to consider the implications loaded within such terminology under both federal and international law.
Furthermore, Young’s team highlighted that the Associated Press had the knowledge of these implications when selecting their language in reporting, thus intensifying the false allegations against Young. The response indicates frustration that rather than focus on the substantial findings regarding CNN’s previous misreporting, the Associated Press perpetuated a narrative of criminality.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As the case moves forward, Judge William S. Henry is expected to address both the AP’s motion to dismiss and any amendments to Young’s complaints during the upcoming hearing. The Associated Press, in their public statements, has labeled the lawsuit as “frivolous.”
Ultimately, Young insists that the Associated Press overstepped in trying to present the same unverified allegations as news rather than acknowledging the legal realities established in his prior case against CNN. He maintains that their actions were retaliatory, casting doubt on the integrity of their reporting.
