**CNN Heads to Court for High-Stakes Defamation Trial over Afghanistan Segment**
In a highly anticipated trial, a six-person jury with two alternates has been selected to hear the defamation case against CNN, brought by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young. The trial is expected to begin on Tuesday in Bay County, Florida.
Young claims that CNN defamed him by suggesting that he made illegal profits by helping people flee Afghanistan through the “black market” during the 2021 Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. He believes that CNN’s report damaged his reputation and business.
Yang argues that CNN “ruined his reputation and business” by calling him an “illegal profiteer” who exploited “desperate Afghans” on a November 11, 2021 episode of “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” He is seeking damages from the network for defamation.
The legal team representing CNN and Yang concluded jury selection on Monday, with six women and two men selected to serve on the jury. The selection process was a long and arduous one, with potential jurors sharing their thoughts on the media, veterans, and punitive damages, among other topics.
Several potential jurors expressed their dislike for the media, with one saying, “I don’t like the media, especially CNN.” Another juror stated, “There’s nothing negative to say about CNN… I just don’t see things their way.”
Despite these disparaging remarks, none of the potential jurors who criticized CNN were selected for the jury. The “hyperactive” individual who said he was eager to leave the courtroom due to his need to pee was also not chosen.
The potential jurors were also asked about their willingness to award punitive damages, with all of them indicating that they would be open to doing so if the evidence supported it. When Yang’s attorney, Will Friedman, asked if they believed CNN was creating “fake news,” at least six potential jurors raised their hands in agreement.
According to various reports, CNN’s ratings have been struggling in recent years, with some of the lowest ratings in recent memory. In the courtroom, it was surprising to find that only one of the over 40 prospective jurors said they regularly watched CNN, and only two said they were familiar with anchor Jake Tapper’s show.
The trial is expected to continue on Tuesday, with Yang expected to appear in court early in the proceedings. The trial will be broadcast live.
**Frequently Asked Questions:**
1. What is the case about?
The case is a defamation lawsuit brought by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young against CNN, claiming that the network’s report suggested he made illegal profits by helping people flee Afghanistan through the “black market” during the 2021 Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
2. What are the allegations made by Zachary Young?
Yang claims that CNN’s report damaged his reputation and business by calling him an “illegal profiteer” who exploited “desperate Afghans” on a November 11, 2021 episode of “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”
3. What is the claim of damages?
Yang is seeking damages from CNN for defamation.
4. What is the date of the trial?
The trial is expected to begin on Tuesday, with Yang expected to appear in court early in the proceedings.
**Conclusion:**
The high-stakes defamation trial between CNN and U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young has reached a crucial point, with the selection of a six-person jury with two alternates. The case has sparked significant interest, with many media outlets reporting on the development. The trial is expected to be a closely watched and highly anticipated event, with many wondering what the outcome will be. Will the jury find in favor of CNN or will they side with Yang, who claims that the network’s report damaged his reputation and business? Only time will tell.
