CNN has parted ways with its chief national correspondent, Alex Marquardt, just months after a defamation lawsuit stemming from one of his stories resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement.
Marquardt announced his departure via X on Monday, writing, “I’m leaving CNN after eight terrific years… it’s been an honor to work among the very best in the business.” CNN declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his exit but confirmed the accuracy of his statement.
However, Status News founder and former CNN journalist Oliver Darcy reported that the departure was due to “editorial differences.”
The controversy traces back to a 2021 report by Marquardt about private contractors charging high fees to evacuate people from Afghanistan.
The story aired during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces and featured on The Lead with Jake Tapper. It included on-screen graphics referencing the “black market,” which became central to a defamation lawsuit filed by Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran and the only contractor named in the piece.
Young accused CNN of falsely associating him with criminal activity. Although the report never directly called him a criminal, Young said it implied he was part of illicit operations.
He testified that his firm only charged corporate sponsors, not individuals, to assist evacuations. CNN later issued a correction, clarifying it did not intend to imply Young engaged in black market dealings. The correction, however, wasn’t enough to stave off the lawsuit.
Following a trial in Florida, a jury found CNN liable for defamation and awarded Young $5 million—$4 million in financial damages and $1 million for emotional harm. With the trial entering a phase for punitive damages, CNN opted to settle for an undisclosed amount.
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During the trial, Marquardt stood by his reporting, saying it was accurate and fair. But damaging internal communications emerged, including Slack messages in which CNN staffers, including Marquardt, insulted Young. Marquardt wrote that he was “gonna nail this Zachary Young mf***er,” and referred to him with vulgar language—messages that attorneys argued demonstrated malice.
These revelations weakened CNN’s legal defense. Legal analysts, including Charles Glasser, a former Bloomberg counsel, said CNN had little choice but to settle. “Admit your hyperbole was out of line, and move on,” Glasser advised.
Young’s legal team welcomed the outcome, saying the case showed how truth prevails over media overreach. “Some outcomes speak for themselves,” Young’s lawyer said.
Marquardt, who had a brief stint at CNN in 2008 before returning almost a decade later, was promoted to chief national correspondent in 2023. He also occasionally served as an anchor. His exit highlights growing legal vulnerabilities for media outlets, especially in politically charged climates.
YahooNews
