Alex Marquardt, a longtime CNN correspondent, has left the network after eight years, marking a significant development following a defamation trial that cost CNN millions. The trial, which centered on his reporting, led to a jury ruling that CNN had defamed U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, resulting in a potential $20-100 million punitive damages award. Marquardt’s departure, announced on social media, was accompanied by a thank you post highlighting his gratitude to colleagues and the network’s national security team. CNN declined to comment on the personnel matter, citing their policy against discussing such issues.
The case began with a November 2021 report by Marquardt that accused Zachary Young of profiting illegally while helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration’s military withdrawal. Young, who believed CNN’s reporting destroyed his reputation and business, filed a lawsuit, alleging that the network had smeared him by implying he was an illegal profiteer exploiting ‘desperate Afghans.’ A jury in Bay County, Florida, found in Young’s favor, awarding him $5 million in financial and emotional damages, with the potential for punitive damages in the range of $50-100 million. However, before the jury could finalize their decision, CNN and Young reached an undisclosed settlement, with the network agreeing to terms that likely avoided the full punitive damages range.
Marquardt, who had been an outspoken critic of Young, had previously expressed a desire to ‘nail’ him during the trial, a comment that became a focal point of the case. Despite CNN’s claim that he was retained due to his experience and insights, the trial revealed internal tensions within the network, with employees admitting to their disdain for the reporting’s approach. Marquardt continued to defend his work, asserting that it was not a ‘hit piece’ and that he was proud of his reporting.
The trial’s outcome has had a lasting impact on CNN, with the network facing significant financial and reputational consequences. The case has also raised questions about editorial standards and accountability within the network, with Young’s attorney suggesting the timing of Marquardt’s departure is ‘curious,’ given the network’s recent accountability measures. The incident underscores the complexities of journalistic reporting and the potential legal ramifications of misrepresenting individuals in the public eye.