CNN fails to settle defamation suit with Navy veteran who says Jake Tapper segment destroyed his reputation [Video]

CNN and the man suing the network for defamation were unable to reach a financial settlement as mediation talks between the parties fell apart last week. 

The plaintiff, Zachary Young, alleges that CNN smeared his security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., by implying it illegally profited when helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration’s military withdrawal from the country in 2021. Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, believes CNN “destroyed his reputation and business by branding him an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans” during a Nov. 11, 2021, segment on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” 

The Media Research Center’s NewsBusters exclusively obtained a filing that indicates the case will go to trial in January 2025. 

“The Mediator files his report to the Court and advises that a mediation conference was held on September 11, 2024, at which the parties and attorneys of record appeared in person. The Court is further advised that the parties were unable to …