CNN defamation case: Judge imposes fine for personal harassment after courtroom riot

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – There were fireworks in Bay County Court on Thursday on the third day of the plaintiff's testimony in the defamation case against CNN, which led the judge to issue a personal punitive damages award going forward.

US Army veteran Young alleges that CNN defamed him by suggesting that he profited illegally while helping people flee Afghanistan on the “black market” as the Biden administration withdraws troops from the country in 2021. an illegal profiteer who exploited “desperate Afghans” in a November 11, 2021, segment that premiered on CNN's “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”

Young had previously said during depositions and testimony that he never received money or received a job in his industry following the CNN report. That became critical during cross-examination when CNN lead counsel David Axelrod, who is not the same person as the aerial researcher of the same name, produced a document that was not familiar to the plaintiff or the court.

NAVY VETERAN WARNS CNN WRITER WILL 'SEEK LEGAL DAMAGES' IF 'NO QUESTION' STORY IS PUBLISHED

Judge William Henry sent a judge to discuss the matter without his presence. The document was a contract that bound Young to a company called Helios Global. Signed by Young and dated December 8, 2021 – after the CNN report aired.

Young's attorney, Vel Freedman, noted that Helios Global came forward during the discovery process and “CNN chose not to subpoena” any documents.

“We didn't have this document, even if it was produced and that doesn't mean Mr. Young breached his discovery obligations,” Freedman said.

He then criticized CNN for using it as a “surprise documentary” of “surprising effect.”

“We should not be condemned for raiding this state,” said Freedman.

“This is totally inappropriate,” he continued. “And CNN should not have been allowed to use this document. They should have given it to us first.”

Freedman then called CNN's legal team “desperate,” leading to shocked people on their bench.

Judge Henry then scolded both sides for “personal attacks” and insults.

Axelrod responded, “The plaintiff's entire case is that after the CNN publication he was unable to get a job.”

Axelrod then said Young “knew he had entered into a new contract with a government contractor one month after the CNN publication.”

DETAILS OF 'HARD HIT' CIA TRAINED VETERAN INFLUENCES CNN'S PIECE ON HIS LIFE: 'IT'S CALLED THE ONE THAT'S REMAINED'

Plaintiff Zachary Young alleges that CNN defamed him by suggesting that he profited illegally while helping people flee Afghanistan on the “black market” as the Biden administration withdraws troops from the country in 2021. (CNN/Screenshot)

“This whole case was a fraud on this court. It was a fraud on CNN,” Axelrod said, adding that Young “lied” in his impeachment.

“He did an amazing trick,” Axelrod said. “This case was a fraud from day one.”

The two sides argued back and forth until Judge Henry declared that both sides were guilty of “throwing mud back and forth.”

“I will not rule on who can make someone else look worse in this case,” said Judge Henry.

Judge Henry then called a break because he wanted to go back to his house and think clearly. That led to a long delay, as reporters and others in attendance speculated whether the trial would be thrown out as a result. Based on Axelrod's response to the document, most observers of the case assumed that the document indicated that Young was paid as a consultant by Helios, which would have contradicted the sworn testimony.

Judge Henry eventually returned and ruled that the case would proceed, and the warrant was allowed to be served. Judge Henry suggested that knowledge of the document was clearly “in the mind” of Young, even if he did not have a physical copy to hand over when he found it. He also decided that it is not discriminatory to admit this after a while.

“I don't expect this to happen again. I think I'll say it for the last time,” said Judge Henry.

CNN CHOOSED 'GAME OVER TRUTH' AND 'RUINED AN AMERICAN'S LIFE,' LAWYER SAYS NOT TO START TRIAL.

US Army veteran Zachary Young testified under oath that he did not take money from Helios after the CNN report aired. (Jessica Costescu)

The judge imposed a $100 fine for each time an attorney made personal insults against another party going forward, with the proceeds going to North Florida Legal Services.

After a dramatic break in the proceedings, it resumed, and Axelrod briefly touched a document that seemed very sensitive. Axelrod noted that it was titled “intermediary security agreement” and asked Young if he signed the document on December 8, 2021, and asked if that date was after the CNN segment.

“Yes,” Young replied.

Soon after, Axelrod ended his questions.

Freedman later asked Young to remove the complexity of the document during the re-direct.

“Once you have left government services, you cannot take care of yourself [security] permission yourself. It must be through a company that has an agreement with the United States government. They are the ones who have to fund the approval. The permit is issued by the US government,” said Young.

JURY SET FOR TRIAL TO BUY CNN AFTER SEVERAL EXCLUSIVE COUNCILS DROPPED DENIAL WITH TAG: 'NOT A CNN FAN'

“This is just a company, like any defense contractor, that has contracts with the U.S. government, and they have individual approvals,” Young said. “Every year you have to sign this administrative document with whoever has your permission. In this case Helios. It's not a contract to do a job… just an administrative job.”

Young testified that he turned over seven years of bank records and no payment from Helios went to him.

“CNN is aware of this, there is no referral from Helios Global,” Young said.

Therefore, in the end, Young testified under oath that he did not take money from Helios after the CNN report was broadcast, therefore, he did not lie when he said that he did not make money in his industry after the CNN report – but North Florida Legal Services may receive fewer donations if the hostile environment remains.

The trial will resume on Friday and will be broadcast live on Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM