In a dramatic turn of events during the ongoing defamation trial against CNN, Judge William Henry sharply criticized the network's lead counsel, David Axelrod, ordering him to apologize to plaintiff Zachary Young, a Navy veteran. The judge accused Axelrod of repeatedly calling Young a "liar" and stated that the lawyer had lost all credibility in the courtroom.

The case stems from a 2021 CNN segment that Young claims implied he illegally profited from helping people evacuate Afghanistan during the U.S. military withdrawal. Young contends that the report tarnished his reputation and harmed his business by portraying him as exploiting vulnerable Afghans.

A key point of contention arose around Young's security clearance. Young's attorney, Vel Freedman, revealed that his client had recently discovered the loss of his clearance in 2022, contradicting earlier implications by CNN's legal team that he still retained it. This prompted Freedman to request the addition of a witness from Helios Global, the firm that managed Young's clearance, to clarify the situation to the jury. Axelrod objected to the late addition, but Judge Henry criticized what he called a "blatant misrepresentation" by CNN's legal team regarding the security clearance documentation.

The judge expressed strong disapproval of Axelrod's use of the security clearance document to attack Young's credibility while simultaneously objecting to a witness who could provide further context. Freedman asserted that CNN was aware of the clearance revocation but withheld the information. Judge Henry then took a recess to consider the matter. Upon returning, he delivered a stern reprimand to Axelrod, questioning the professionalism of both legal teams and expressing concern over last-minute surprises and procedural inconsistencies throughout the trial.

Judge Henry stated that CNN’s legal strategy had shifted regarding the significance of the security clearance, and he directly questioned Axelrod's credibility. He then mandated an apology from Axelrod to Young for repeatedly labeling him a "liar" in court. Axelrod subsequently issued an apology, stating that he had no intention to mislead the court.