Following a successful defamation suit against CNN earlier this year, U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young has initiated another legal action, this time targeting the Associated Press. The new lawsuit alleges defamation stemming from an article published by the AP that Young contends “went even further than CNN’s falsehoods.”
The core of the dispute revolves around reporting related to Young’s efforts to assist individuals in evacuating Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. forces under the Biden administration. In January, a jury awarded Young $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages, acknowledging that CNN had defamed him by implying he illegally profited from these evacuations.
The AP’s article, written by media reporter David Bauder, stated that “Young’s business helped smuggle people out of Afghanistan.” This phrasing is the subject of Young’s current lawsuit. According to court filings obtained by Fox News Digital, Young’s attorney, Daniel Lustig, asserts that the AP “blatantly accused Mr. Young of engaging in criminal human smuggling.”
The lawsuit highlights the severity of the accusation:
- Describing Young’s actions as “smuggling” implies engagement in a serious crime, both under U.S. and international law.
- Young’s attorneys argue that the AP has consistently used “smuggling” to refer to activities like human trafficking, drug operations, and other transnational crimes.
The legal filing contends that the AP acted with “actual malice,” knowingly or recklessly disregarding the fact that a Florida court had previously cleared Young of any criminal involvement in the Afghanistan evacuations.
“AP’s decision to apply the same criminal label to Plaintiff — despite his lawful and court-vindicated actions — demonstrates knowledge of falsity or a reckless disregard for the truth,” Lustig wrote. The lawsuit further claims that the AP has not issued any retraction or correction, allowing the false accusation to spread widely.
Young is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.00, plus interest and legal fees. His attorney stated that punitive damages will likely be added to the suit.
“In essence, AP’s defamatory statement dealt another blow to Plaintiffs’ reputation and trade, exacerbating the damage that CNN’s reporting had already inflicted,” Lustig wrote.
Daniel Lustig emphasized the severity of the situation: “The Associated Press didn’t just repeat CNN’s lie — they escalated it. After a jury found CNN liable for defamation and punitive damages, AP doubled down and falsely branded Mr. Young a criminal.”
Michael Pike, also a partner at Pike & Lustig, added, “AP knew the truth. They ignored it. Now they’ll face the same courtroom and the same plaintiff who already proved that the media can be held accountable.”
Young has previously filed a similar lawsuit against Puck News for allegedly republishing CNN’s defamatory statements. Both lawsuits are being pursued in Bay County, Florida.
A spokesperson for Puck News stated, “Puck stands behind our reporting and we are confident the facts will hold up to any scrutiny.”
The Associated Press did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
