A Navy veteran from the U.S. who recently won a defamation case against CNN has now filed an appeal against The Associated Press, claiming that the judge in his case showed apparent bias and a “lack of judicial decency.” Zachary Young argues that AP reporter David Bauder falsely suggested, in a January 2025 article about the CNN trial, that Young’s business was involved in smuggling individuals out of Afghanistan.
In September, Judge William Henry of Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit dismissed Young’s lawsuit against the AP. He compared the case to a poorly conceived movie sequel, suggesting it “should never have been made.” Young’s appeal seeks to challenge this dismissal, with his attorney, Lisa Page Glass, contending that the judge’s comments trivialized serious allegations, particularly by comparing human smuggling to something as mundane as sneaking candy into a theater.
Glass is also advocating for a new judge, alleging that Judge Henry had misapplied legal standards regarding defamation and expressed disrespect toward Young’s claims. “Reassignment is justified to guarantee a fair process and maintain a semblance of justice,” she remarked.
Although Henry didn’t comment on the appeal request immediately, he was previously perceived as strict yet fair during the trial against CNN, often reprimanding CNN’s lead attorney, David Axelrod, in court.
You know, Young has experienced quite a legal battle this year. In January, a jury held CNN liable for defamation after they suggested that the Biden administration was profiting illegally while facilitating the evacuation from Afghanistan during its 2021 military withdrawal. He was awarded $4 million for lost profits and $1 million for personal damages, with the settlement occurring before CNN faced punitive charges.
Young’s legal team feels strongly about their case, emphasizing that accusations of human smuggling carry serious implications. They argue that the law requires accountability in such matters. Daniel Lustig, another attorney involved, pointed out that calling someone a smuggler is a significant charge that shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. The Associated Press, in its defense, has maintained that its reporting was accurate regarding the jury’s verdict in Young’s favor and intends to fight the appeal. They branded the lawsuit as frivolous.
It’s an intricate situation, and it’s evident that both sides are digging in for a prolonged legal fight, each convinced they’re on solid ground. It’s hard to predict how this will unfold, but it definitely raises some intriguing questions about media responsibility and the weight of statements made by news organizations.
