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Florida judge explodes at CNN lawyers in tense court clash over network’s ‘credibility’

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Bay County Judge William Henry lost his patience during Wednesday's defamation case hearing when the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court judge claimed that lawyers for the left-wing outlet were broadcasting

A Florida judge blasted CNN’s lawyers Wednesday morning during a high-stakes court showdown discussing alleged defamation and the network’s “credibility.”

Bay County Judge William Henry lost his patience during Wednesday’s defamation case hearing when the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court judge claimed that lawyers for the left-leaning outlet were issuing “flagrant misrepresentations” and lacked ” professionalism”.

“We don’t practice these types of lawyers here,” Henry said. “In this case we don’t do mischief anymore.”

The damning defamation case was brought by Zachary Young, a security contractor who took people out of Afghanistan.

Young claims that a November 2021 segment on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper falsely described him as an “illegal beneficiary” exploiting “desperate Afghans” with “exorbitant” fees amid President Biden’s withdrawal from the country.

During the week-long procedure, Henry’s frustrations over the “unprofessionalism” continued to grow and he was apparently initiated by (and in the end seemed to largely target) CNN’s chief lawyer, David Axelrod.

At one point during the seventh day of the proceedings during a discovery hearing, Henry called the legal team’s latest discovery efforts “kindergarten” level antics, not lawyers with law degrees.

“This isn’t kindergarten,” Henry said. “You all enrolled in kindergarten a long, long, long time ago, or at least that’s what it says because you all have a law license.”

Bay County Judge William Henry lost his patience during Wednesday’s defamation case hearing when the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court judge claimed the left-wing outlet’s attorneys were issuing “flagrant misrepresentations” and lacked “professionalism.” “.

The damning defamation case was brought by Zachary Young (pictured), a security contractor who took people out of Afghanistan.

The damning defamation case was brought by Zachary Young (pictured), a security contractor who took people out of Afghanistan.

Henry continued to investigate Axelrod, claiming that the experienced lawyer was simply doing the same thing his opposition had done, but tried to paint the picture differently.

Henry referred to Young’s attorney’s request for an additional filing to discuss a late-stage document; However, the plaintiff rested on Tuesday afternoon.

‘I find it interesting that discovery is made at the same time that a motion to quash is filed; arguing that the plaintiffs are violating the rules by sending subpoenas for trial when the defense is doing exactly the same thing.’ Henry said, pointing at Axelrod.

But Axelrod argued that Young was trying to “circumvent” his own discovery obligations and said the plaintiff did, in fact, have access to the document in question.

That was the last straw for Henry, who then intensely questioned the CNN affiliate.

“I can have the court reporter read exactly what you said,” the then-angry judge told Axelrod while pointing at the city clerk.

“But I think I said word for word exactly what you said,” Henry added.

Axelrod attempted to clarify: “Your Honor, what I’m trying to say…” he began before being interrupted by an indignant Henry.

“I’m tired of these blatant misrepresentations being made,” Henry shouted.

“And you two are doing it,” Henry said of both legal parties.

And maybe they’re not 100 percent lies. Maybe they are leaving out a bit of the truth. And make representations, so you can carefully say, “Well, I didn’t exactly say that.”

Henry then criticized Axelrod for the numerous times he referred to the plaintiff as a liar, claiming that he did not know how many times the attorney had done so and threatened to consult the transcript.

Young claims that a November 2021 segment on CNN's The Lead with Jake Tapper (pictured) falsely described him as a

Young claims a November 2021 segment on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper (pictured) falsely described him as an “illegal beneficiary” exploiting “desperate Afghans” with “exorbitant” fees amid the president’s withdrawal. Biden of the country.

During the week-long process, Henry's frustrations over the

During the week-long process, Henry’s frustrations over the “unprofessionalism” continued to mount and were apparently initiated by, and ultimately appeared to largely target, CNN’s senior lawyer, David Axelrod (pictured).

“In your statement, you acknowledged your safety; your safety is in the hands of Helios Global,” Henry continued.

—Which is exactly what that document is and exactly what he testified to. I think it is clearly necessary for you to apologize to Mr. Young for the number of times that, in front of this court – and broadcast around the world – you called Mr. Young a liar for not disclosing a document that was not… that you have no evidence that he was in their custody or control.

Young has since been given permission to present the surprise document and question a Helios Global representative about the document before the jury.

The judge also reserved the right to issue sanctions related to the entire matter.

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