Navy veteran who won defamation case against CNN appeals lawsuit against the AP

Navy Veteran Continues Legal Battle Against The Associated Press

A U.S. Navy veteran who recently won a defamation suit against CNN is now appealing a similar case against The Associated Press (AP). Zachary Young’s lawsuit against the AP was dismissed last year, but he argues that he was defamed by reporter David Bauder, who claimed in a January 2025 article that Young’s business was involved in smuggling people out of Afghanistan.

During the appeal presented at Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, attorney Charles Tobin, representing the AP, argued about the language used in the case. He pointed out that Judge L. Clayton Roberts defines “smuggling” as an illegal act, which complicates Young’s claims.

Young’s attorney, Lisa Glass, countered Tobin’s position by emphasizing how important words are in journalism. She indicated that the AP’s style guide is a critical reference for journalists worldwide, and argued, “Words matter, and AP created its own stylebook to ensure that.”

The AP stylebook is widely recognized as a key resource for journalistic integrity. Tobin, however, asserted that it doesn’t necessarily apply to the specifics of this case, which seemed to surprise some observers.

Nicholas Fondacaro, a deputy editor at NewsBusters, expressed confusion over Tobin’s reasoning, saying it undermined the importance of having consistent definitions in media.

Returning to Young’s history, a jury previously determined in January 2025 that CNN had defamed him, suggesting that the Biden administration profited from the chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by allegedly facilitating illegal departures. Young was awarded a settlement of $4 million for lost profits and $1 million in personal damages, with further punitive damages pending.

Judge William Henry, who heard the initial case against CNN, dismissed Young’s lawsuit against the AP this past September, likening it to a poorly conceived movie sequel. Following the dismissal, Young’s legal team has sought a new judge for the appeal, although no deadlines were established during the recent court proceedings.

The AP has yet to comment on the latest appeal but has maintained that its reporting was accurate and will vigorously defend against what they consider a frivolous lawsuit.