Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, is making headlines again after successfully suing CNN for defamation earlier this year. He recently filed a new defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press, claiming their reporting was even more damaging than CNN’s.
Young gained attention after he alleged that CNN falsely accused him of profiting illegally while helping people escape Afghanistan during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021. A jury agreed with him, awarding him $4 million for lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages. The case against CNN was settled before punitive damages could be determined.
The latest lawsuit stems from an article by AP media reporter David Bauder. In that piece, Bauder stated that Young’s business "helped smuggle people out of Afghanistan." Young’s legal team argues that this statement is not only false but also paints him as a criminal. They point out that a Florida court had previously cleared him of any wrongdoing related to the evacuations.
Young’s attorney, Daniel Lustig, emphasized that the AP’s claims were reckless and misleading. He stated that using the term "smuggling" in reference to Young’s actions was particularly harmful, as it implies serious criminal activity. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000, not including additional costs.
In the filing, Young’s lawyers argue that the AP acted with "actual malice," knowing that their statement was false or disregarding the truth. They highlight that the AP has not issued any corrections, allowing the damaging narrative to persist.
This isn’t the first time Young has taken legal action against media outlets. He recently filed a similar lawsuit against Puck News for republishing what he calls CNN’s defamatory statements. Young is pursuing these cases in Bay County, Florida, where he feels he can find a fair hearing.
The Associated Press has yet to respond publicly to Young’s lawsuit. As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about the responsibility of media organizations in their reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation.