As the countdown to the first presidential debate begins, there’s a fascinating twist developing that could have serious implications for CNN’s Jake Tapper, one of the moderators. Despite the Biden campaign’s assurances that their candidate will participate, there’s another storm brewing involving Tapper and a defamation lawsuit that could potentially cost CNN a whopping $1 billion.
The Florida First District Court of Appeals recently gave the green light to plaintiff Zachary Young to seek punitive damages, along with economic and emotional damages, in his lawsuit against CNN. The case originates from Tapper’s remarks about Young’s commendable efforts to help individuals in Afghanistan during the tumultuous withdrawal in 2021. Newsbusters has reported that the total damages being sought could reach or even surpass $1 billion.
The court based its decision on evidence indicating malice. Judge L. Clayton Roberts noted, “Young sufficiently proffered evidence of actual malice, express malice, and a level of conduct outrageous enough to open the door for him to seek punitive damages.” Internal CNN messages revealed a malicious intent towards Young. Correspondent Alex Marquardt expressed a desire to “nail this Zachary Young mfucker” and described the story as Young’s “funeral.” CNN senior editor Fuzz Hogan added fuel to this fire by referring to Young as “a shit.”
Young’s attorney, Vel Freedman, pointed out that while errors can occur, these internal messages underscored a “systemic problem” within CNN, demonstrating a breakdown in their accountability mechanisms. Freedman estimates that due to the career damage caused by CNN’s coverage, Young suffered economic losses between $40-60 million.
Emotional damages could drive the total even higher, with the potential maximum reaching $600 million. Given the court’s recognition of CNN’s outrageous conduct, the cap on punitive damages in Florida has been lifted, making the $1 billion figure a possibility.
The lawsuit revolves around CNN’s portrayal of Young’s legitimate business, which assisted corporately sponsored Afghans to escape during the Taliban takeover, using terms like “black market” and “exploited.” Young’s clients included reputable companies like Audible and Bloomberg News, and he successfully saved 24 lives. Yet, CNN allegedly labeled him a human trafficker and war profiteer without any substantiated evidence.
Jake Tapper, whose show “The Lead” broadcasted the defamatory story, emphasized that those seeking escape were given “no guarantee of safety or success.” However, CNN was unable to validate claims that Young’s operations were fraudulent, admitting internally they lacked evidence.
This isn’t CNN’s first encounter with defamation litigation. Four years ago, they settled a lawsuit with Nick Sandmann, a Kentucky high school student wrongfully accused of racist behavior at the 2019 March for Life rally. Sandmann sought $275 million in damages.
Whether CNN will defend this lawsuit or choose to settle is yet to be seen. What is clear is that the network faces a substantial challenge and a potential financial blow. This case highlights ongoing issues with biased reporting and accountability in the media landscape.
Source: Red Right Newsfeed
Leave a Comment