CNN settles with US Navy veteran after being ordered to pay $5 million for defamation

Judge William Henry did not provide further details about the agreement when announcing it in open court.

Zachary Young sued CNN in 2022, accusing the Warner Bros Discovery unit of destroying his reputation on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” by labeling him as a profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans by charging exorbitant fees.

CNN defends the publication and denies that it defamed Young, although the network said in March 2022 that it regretted using the term “black market” to refer to his work.

A CNN representative said the network remains proud of its journalists, but “we will of course take whatever useful lessons we can from this case.” The representative declined to offer details of the settlement. Young’s attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Young, who was dressed in a black suit and blue tie, smiled as the magistrate thanked the lawyers for their work before dismissing them. The lawsuit involves Young’s role as a security consultant, helping companies and charities evacuate people from Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control of the country following the chaotic US military withdrawal.

On the program, CNN said that “desperate Afghans” trying to escape the country were being “exploited” with “exorbitant” and “impossible” fees charged to get them out of the territory.