In the aftermath of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, numerous private entities and individuals mobilized to assist in evacuating at-risk Afghans. Among them was U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, president of Nemex Enterprises Inc., a Florida-based security consulting firm. Young’s efforts, however, became the subject of a contentious defamation lawsuit against CNN, alleging that the network’s portrayal of his activities was both false and damaging.

The Genesis of the Lawsuit

Zachary Young’s lawsuit against CNN revolves around a segment aired on November 11, 2021, during The Lead with Jake Tapper. The segment focused on alleged “black market” rescue efforts taking place during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan earlier that year. In the report, CNN portrayed Young, a U.S. Navy veteran and security contractor, as someone potentially exploiting desperate Afghans by charging “exorbitant fees” for evacuation services. Terms like “black market,” “exploit,” and “exorbitant” were used, which Young’s legal team argues inaccurately painted him as a bad actor preying on vulnerable individuals.

In June 2022, Young filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN, claiming the network’s portrayal had severely damaged his reputation and business. He contends that the coverage falsely branded him as an “illegal profiteer” and implied he was involved in illegal activities. The lawsuit accuses CNN of defamation per se, defamation by implication, group libel, and trade libel. Young asserts that his efforts as a security consultant to save lives in Afghanistan were grossly misrepresented by what he calls “lies published for sensationalism.”

A significant development in the case came when Judge William S. Henry ruled that Young “did not act illegally or criminally,” despite the implications in CNN’s reporting. This ruling has bolstered Young’s case, supporting his argument that CNN’s coverage unfairly maligned his character and motives. Young maintains that his actions were honorable, and the lawsuit seeks to hold CNN accountable for what he describes as sensationalist and damaging falsehoods.

Legal Proceedings and Developments

The defamation trial of Zachary Young vs. CNN has officially begun, with proceedings underway in Bay County, Florida. The high-stakes trial commenced on January 6, 2025, with jury selection completed the same day. A panel of six jurors—six women and two men, including two alternates—was chosen to hear the case. Opening arguments started on January 7, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched two-week trial in Panama City, Florida.

Judge William S. Henry is presiding over the case and has already made several significant pretrial rulings. Notably, the court determined that Young “did not act illegally or criminally” and “did not take money from Afghans,” despite the implications in CNN’s reporting. These rulings have strengthened Young’s position, allowing him to seek punitive damages. Additionally, CNN’s request for a summary judgment to dismiss the case was denied, ensuring the trial would proceed.

The trial’s focus will include key evidence that sheds light on CNN’s reporting practices. Among the evidence are text messages from CNN journalists containing derogatory remarks about Young, as well as internal emails from editors expressing doubts about whether the story was ready to air. Jake Tapper’s public statements about journalistic ethics have also been admitted as evidence. A central issue for the jury will be determining whether CNN falsely implied that Young’s actions were unlawful by using terms like “black market.”