Florida Jury Rules in Favor of Veteran Against Major News Network, Settlement Reached on Defamation Claims

Panama City, FL — A Florida jury recently ruled that a prominent cable news network had defamed a U.S. Navy veteran known for his efforts to help rescue Afghans at risk following the Taliban’s return to power. The network opted for a settlement this Friday rather than facing a punitive damages ruling. Zachary Young, the plaintiff, accused the network of sabotaging his business with a 2021 report that alleged involvement in a “black market” rescue operation for Afghans during the chaotic aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He stated that the broadcast led to … Read more

National Action Network Voices Concern Over Jury Diversity in A$AP Rocky’s Assault Case

Los Angeles, CA — The Rev. Al Sharpton and the Los Angeles chapter of the National Action Network (NAN) are closely monitoring the jury selection process in the upcoming felony assault trial of hip-hop artist A$AP Rocky. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of Black jurors among the prospective candidates. According to the NAN, only four of the 106 potential jurors in A$AP Rocky’s trial identify as Black, a number that has raised eyebrows given the diversity of Los Angeles. Sharpton emphasized the importance of a jury that fairly represents the community in order … Read more

CNN Settles for $5 Million After Jury Finds Network Defamed Navy Veteran Amid Chaotic Afghan Evacuations

Tampa, FL — A Florida jury has found CNN guilty of defaming security consultant Zachary Young, a Navy veteran, leading to a rapid settlement by the news network hours after Young was awarded $5 million in damages. The case revolved around a CNN report aired in 2021 discussing the chaotic evacuation of Afghans during the U.S.’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Judge William Henry declared the settlement during the trial’s second phase, which aimed to determine the amount of punitive damages CNN might face. Details of the settlement have not been disclosed. The case spotlighted the … Read more

CNN Settles After Jury Verdict Finds Network Defamed Heroic Navy Veteran in Afghan Rescue Story

Panama City, Florida — In a significant legal setback for CNN, a Florida jury recently ruled in favor of Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran who accused the network of defamation. Following a trial lasting under two weeks in Panama City, Young was awarded $5 million in compensatory damages after more than eight hours of jury deliberation. The case escalated tensions between media outlets and high-profile defamation challenges during a politically charged era. Young’s lawsuit stemmed from a 2021 broadcast on CNN, where he was depicted in connection with what was termed a “black market” … Read more