American news channel, CNN has agreed to pay $5 million in a defamation settlement to Zachary Young, a US Navy veteran who was accused of exploiting Afghans during the 2021 Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Young, who ran Nemex Enterprises, a private security firm, denied the accusations made in a CNN report aired on *The Lead with Jake Tapper*. The report described alleged “black market” operations exploiting Afghans and aired Young’s face, suggesting he was among those involved.
A six-person jury in Florida ruled in Young’s favor, awarding millions in compensatory damages. At trial, internal messages from CNN employees were presented, showing derogatory comments about Young and doubts raised by other journalists about the accuracy of the report.
Young argued that Nemex Enterprises’ fees were paid by corporations and charities, not by the Afghans he rescued. He stated that his firm helped 23 people, including a baby, escape Afghanistan after the US military withdrawal.
“I never charged Afghans themselves and discouraged individuals from contacting my firm,” Young told the BBC. “This was never about money—it was about holding CNN accountable. I feel vindicated.”
Young also said the CNN report caused significant harm to his business. “Since that report, my business has dried up. I hope this outcome will change that,” he added.
Although CNN issued a partial apology in March 2022, regretting its use of the term “black market,” the network maintained its defense of the original reporting.
In a statement released on Friday, CNN said: “We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless, and fair-minded reporting. However, we will take any useful lessons from this case.”
The court had scheduled a separate hearing to determine punitive damages, designed to punish and discourage similar actions in the future. However, both parties reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount regarding punitive damages after the verdict.
Young expressed hope that this ruling would restore his reputation and help rebuild his business, which was deeply impacted by the defamation.
