Jake Tapper, the host of CNN's "The Lead," recently displayed a palpable sense of derision while reading out Fox News' statement following their settlement with Dominion Voting Systems.
Tapper's tone was one of mockery, as he chuckled while reading Fox News' statement regarding their settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. His theatrics didn't stop there.
According to RedState, Tapper's performance was a clear attempt to rise above the cacophony of other news outlets criticizing Fox News, implying that Fox could no longer be considered a credible news network. This stance, however, seems to conveniently overlook CNN's own history of defamation cases, including a settlement with high school student Nick Sandmann.
RedState has now revealed exclusive details about another defamation case CNN is currently grappling with, related to a report aired on "The Lead: With Jake Tapper." Despite the potential for a judgment figure that could surpass the $787 million settlement Fox News reached with Dominion, there has been little coverage of this case by the same outlets that were quick to criticize Fox.
The case in question involves Zachary Young, a private contractor who worked to evacuate U.S. citizens from Afghanistan during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. Young is suing CNN for defamation in relation to a report filed by CNN's Alex Marquardt, which portrayed Young as reckless and opportunistic. Young's lawsuit alleges that Marquardt's report was not only factually incorrect but also malicious. A Florida appellate court recently ruled that Young had presented enough evidence to pursue punitive damages.
In an exclusive interview with Young and his attorney, RedState uncovered further details about the case. Young stated, When they first approached me, they led me to believe it was to have me provide background on my line of work. It turned out that I was the main focus, but they allowed me little input. This suggests that CNN engaged in a common journalistic practice of building a story around a subject, but only contacting that subject very late in the process.
Young's lawyer also revealed that Young was only given a few hours to respond once he was finally contacted about the story concerning him and his work. Furthermore, internal communications at CNN, obtained by Youngs team, showed concerns about the factual accuracy of Marquardts report, yet it was still aired.
Young attempted to correct several aspects of Marquardt's reporting, but his efforts were rebuffed. Internal communications revealed that some within CNN questioned the report's veracity and suggested delaying its broadcast until more information could be verified. However, the report was rushed to air, despite these concerns.
The lawsuit also highlights CNN's use of the term black market to describe Youngs business operations. Despite operating a legitimate business at the time, Nemex Enterprises Inc., Young argues that CNN's portrayal of him as a black market operator implied illegal activity. CNN's lawyers argued that the term was used to suggest Youngs work was unregulated, not illegal, a claim that was dismissed by the court.
The case has now progressed to the point where it could go to trial for both compensatory and punitive damages. The potential for a large judgment could motivate CNN to settle with Young before going to trial, both to avoid a hefty penalty and to prevent further exposure of defamatory practices.
Despite this, Youngs legal team has stated that they are focused on building their case, rather than seeking a settlement. This case serves as a stark reminder that journalistic integrity and adherence to facts are paramount, regardless of the network or the individual delivering the news.
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