Panama City, Florida – US Navy veteran Zachary Young is celebrating the “vindication” he received after a bitter two-week legal battle ended with a jury finding that CNN defamed him.
“I'm glad it's over,” Young said in an interview on FOX News Digital. “I feel very, very, very good.”
After more than eight hours of deliberations, the six-person jury awarded Young $4 million in lost profits, $1 million in personal damages including pain and suffering, and awarded punitive damages to CNN. He said compensation was justified. However, as the second phase of the trial progressed, lawyers for Young and CNN informed Judge William S. Henry of the 14th Judicial Circuit that they had reached a settlement.
“It's been a long three years, but it feels incredible to have achieved what we wanted – public vindication. And I'm glad it's over. Discussion “We don't have to spend many more years of our lives trying to figure out what to do,'' Young said.
Jury finds CNN defamed veteran, settles settlement with punitive damages
U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young spoke to FOX News Digital following his defamation victory against CNN. (Joseph A. Wolfthorne/Fox News Digital)
The amount of the settlement was not disclosed, but the settlement came after expert witnesses suggested $150 million was a reasonable amount to punish CNN.
After years of legal battles with CNN, Young told Fox News Digital that he “doesn't have any animosity” toward the network.
“I think this was a good outcome for both of us,” Young said. “I'm able to go on with my life now, but for the longest time I couldn't even imagine what that would be like or what it would feel like. But I don't have any hostility towards CNN at all. ”
“I hope they learn something from this experience,” he continued. “I hope they take this as an opportunity to look in the mirror and realize that there is room for change and improvement. That's what happened at CNN, and maybe other media people can see that as well. “As a positive thing. ”
CNN defamation trial: Closing arguments as jury begins deliberating case against network
CNN settled a defamation lawsuit against Young after a jury found the network defamed him. (Jon Graeme/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Vel Friedman, Young's lead attorney in the defamation suit against CNN, also touted the legal victory.
“We were able to clear Mr. Zack's name and obtain a verdict and settlement, allowing him to avoid a lengthy appeal and move on with his life,” Friedman told Fox News Digital. spoke. “So as a lawyer, that’s exactly what you want to do.”
In a statement to FOX News Digital, a CNN spokesperson said, “We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, but of course… , and we intend to take as many useful lessons as we can from it.” This matter. ”
CNN defamation trial: Editor who said the article was “full of holes like Swiss cheese'' takes the stand to testify
Young accused CNN of defaming him after airing footage linking him to the “black market” during his first segment on “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” (CNN/Screenshot)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Young accused CNN of defaming him by implying that he made illegal profits when he helped evacuate people from Afghanistan on the “black market.” Biden administration's Young believed CNN had “ruined his reputation and business” by branding him a profiteer who exploited “desperate Afghans” during a November 2021 show.
Young's legal team uncovered documents and obtained CNN's damning internal messages that repeatedly show staffers expressing open hostility toward Navy veterans. Comments presented to the jury included some calling him a “scumbag”, others saying he was “hole-shaped” and others saying he looked “like he could get punched”.
It was also revealed that CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt, who led the on-air reporting, told a colleague, “We're going to nail this midfielder Zachary Young,'' a message that was frequently quoted during the trial.
Fox News' Brian Flood and Annie McCuen contributed to this report.
