A Navy veteran suing CNN for defamation testified that he warned CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt about inaccuracies in a 2021 story concerning his involvement in Afghan evacuations and threatened legal action if the story was published. Text messages presented to the jury corroborated his claims.
Zachary Young took the stand for a second day, explaining his initial belief that CNN was seeking his assistance with their own evacuations from Afghanistan after noticing views on his LinkedIn profile. He testified that upon realizing reporter Katie Bo Lillis simply wanted information for a story, he explicitly requested anonymity.
Young's lawsuit alleges CNN damaged his reputation and business by portraying him as an illegal profiteer exploiting Afghans during the 2021 withdrawal. The lawsuit centers around a November 11, 2021 segment on "The Lead with Jake Tapper."
Text messages revealed Bo Lillis pressed Young for information despite his request for anonymity, claiming she needed background details. Young maintained his desire to remain unnamed, even as Bo Lillis questioned his pricing, which he defended by explaining he sought payment from sponsors and corporations, not Afghans themselves.
Growing increasingly concerned, Young cautioned Bo Lillis about potential slander and urged factual accuracy. He testified he would have immediately consulted a lawyer had he known he was the focus of the story.
Marquardt subsequently contacted Young, requesting an interview about his evacuation efforts. Young requested several days to respond, but Marquardt insisted on a two-hour deadline for answers to a series of questions. Despite Young reiterating his concerns about inaccuracies and threatening legal action, Marquardt proceeded with the story.
The jury viewed the CNN segment, in which Tapper introduced a report on Afghans being "preyed upon" by those demanding exorbitant fees. Marquardt's report highlighted Young's company's pricing, displaying his image and stating the figures were "well beyond the reach of most Afghans." She included Young's explanation about sponsors covering the costs and his refusal to provide a cost breakdown or confirm profit margins.
Young testified he had no connection to the anonymous Afghans interviewed in the segment. He criticized CNN's implication of guaranteed safety and success in war zone evacuations and had dictionary definitions of "black market" read aloud to the jury.
Young became emotional describing the impact of the CNN report on his life, mentioning a "complete mental breakdown," reliance on medication, and strain on his marriage. CNN's legal team began cross-examination, focusing on Young's tax returns, deleted LinkedIn messages, and work history.
