CNN hires new lawyers as defamation lawsuit by Navy veteran goes forward

CNN has hired new lawyers as the network has failed to reach a settlement in a defamation lawsuit launched by a Navy veteran.

The plaintiff, Zachary Young, alleges CNN smeared his security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., by implying it illegally profited when helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's military withdrawal from the country in 2021.

According to court filings obtained by Fox News Digital, CNN has retained Dave Axelrod and Joe Bailey of law firm Ballard Spahr LLP. This came just days after settlement negotiations between Young and the network fell apart.

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"More lawyers don’t change the underlying facts, which demonstrate CNN defamed Mr. Young, did so maliciously, and as a result, must face the consequences this January. It won’t change the outcome either," Young's attorney Vel Freeman told Fox News Digital.

CNN did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. A representative for Ballard Spahr declined to comment.

Axelrod, not to be mistaken with former Obama adviser and CNN contributor David Axelrod, has been involved in other high-profile cases. He was part of The New York Times' winning legal team defeating a defamation lawsuit against former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Last month, however, Palin successfully won her bid for a retrial.

He was also retained by actress Amber Heard in her appeal against the defamation verdict won by ex-husband Johnny Depp.

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Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, believes CNN "destroyed his reputation and business by branding