Former CNN senior editor Fuzz Hogan defended the network's reporting on Navy veteran Zachary Young during a defamation trial. Young alleges CNN's 2021 report falsely implied his involvement in black market activities during the Afghanistan evacuation, damaging his reputation. Hogan testified that while the report didn't explicitly use the term "black market," he believed the description fit the chaotic context. He denied any negative connotation associated with the term and stated he wasn't aware of CNN's subsequent on-air apology, which he deemed unnecessary. Hogan maintained his support for the original report and its online version, despite internal communications revealing concerns about its completeness. He admitted to calling Young a derogatory term in internal messages but claimed it was in response to Young's alleged over-promising of protective status to clients. Hogan denied any intent to harm Young and wouldn't change anything about the reporting. Following the report, Hogan was promoted to a standards and practices role at CNN. The trial continues, with the correspondent who led the segment expected to testify soon.

CNN journalist Fuzz Hogan denied there was a "negative connotation" to the term "black market" to describe U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young's financial dealings in a report that aired on "The Lead with Jake Tapper."  (CNN/Screenshot)

Longtime CNN journalist Fuzz Hogan said he was unaware that the network apologized for its report about Zachary Young but insisted the apology wasn't necessary. (Fox News Digital/Law & Crime)

Hogan said he didn't agree with CNN's decision to air an apology, which was given by fill-in anchor Pamela Brown. (Screenshot/CNN)

Hogan called U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young a "s--t" in internal CNN communications leading up to the controversial on-air report. (Jessica Costescu)