CNN Faces Defamation Trial Over Afghanistan Evacuation Report

Correspondent Alexander Marquardt defends his reporting as Navy veteran Zachary Young argues the segment damaged his reputation.

The defamation trial centers on a 2021 CNN report alleging high fees and exploitation in efforts to evacuate Afghans during the U.S. withdrawal, with Zachary Young highlighted as an example.
Young claims the report falsely implicated him in 'black market' dealings, damaging his professional reputation and causing him to lose work opportunities.
Correspondent Alexander Marquardt defended the report in court, stating it was factual and that Young was used as an example of broader issues in evacuation efforts.
Internal CNN communications revealed aggressive language toward Young, which the plaintiff's attorney argued showed animus and potential malice in the reporting process.
CNN issued an on-air apology in 2022, clarifying that the term 'black market' was a mistake, but Marquardt testified he stood by his reporting despite the network's apology.