Attorneys David Axelrod and Joseph Bailey have recently joined the legal team working to defend CNN against a lawsuit brought by a man named Young. The lawsuit stems from a 2021 episode of “The Lead With Jake Tapper” where CNN reported on America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, suggesting that Young profited from war crimes by charging high fees on the black market to help Afghans escape the country.
Despite several unsuccessful attempts by CNN’s legal team to have the lawsuit dismissed and failed settlement negotiations, the case is now headed to trial in January. In a strategic move, CNN’s lead counsel Deanna Shullman brought in additional legal firepower from Ballard Spahr LLP, a well-known firm with experience in high-profile defamation cases.
Axelrod, who previously worked with actress Amber Heard in her defamation battle with Johnny Depp, has a track record of success in high-stakes legal disputes. In fact, he helped negotiate a settlement between Heard and Depp, where Heard agreed to pay Depp a portion of the original judgment. Axelrod’s expertise in defamation cases was also evident in his defense of The New York Times against Sarah Palin’s lawsuit.
Bailey, another seasoned litigator from Ballard Spahr, brings a wealth of experience in complex commercial litigation to the table. His background includes handling cases involving breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, consumer protection, and more.
Together with their colleague Charles Tobin, Axelrod and Bailey are now focused on defending CNN in Bay County, Florida, where the trial is set to take place. Despite facing setbacks such as having to disclose sensitive financial records and journalistic guidelines, CNN remains steadfast in its defense, maintaining that it did not intend to harm Young with its reporting.
The plaintiff’s legal team is seeking substantial damages, with predictions of a potential billion-dollar verdict if the court rules in their favor. However, CNN is standing by its reporting and is prepared to present its case in court when the civil jury trial commences on January 6, 2025.
For any tips or information related to this case, feel free to email RadarOnline.com at tips@radaronline.com. Stay tuned for updates as the trial unfolds.
