A defamation lawsuit against CNN could potentially reveal the company's financial secrets as the court strives to uncover its net worth.

A recent ruling could expose financial secrets as the court seeks to determine the net worth of CNN, which is facing a defamation lawsuit over a 2021 story about the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.

In 2021, CNN accused Zachary Young's security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., of illegally profiting from helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's military withdrawal from the country. A civil trial is set to begin on January 6, 2025, in front of Judge William Henry in the Circuit Court for Bay County, Florida.

Last week, Henry facilitated Young's request for CNN to disclose sensitive financial data to Warner Bros. Discovery.

This will serve as a means to verify the accuracy of CNN's financial documents presented during discovery, by comparing the information provided to Young's legal team against what CNN stated publicly.

The judge's decision stunned CNN's executives.

Gardner wrote that a green light has been given to Young to seek punitive damages.

Young's lawyers will soon receive documents to evaluate CNN's worth, allowing them to argue for a larger penalty in court. Additionally, the judge has ordered a deposition for Jake Tapper, who will likely be required to disclose his salary and contract negotiations.

The salary of Tapper, who was recently fired from CNN, will be of particular interest to the former employees of the network who were let go during a recent round of cost-cutting layoffs. In July, CNN announced that approximately 100 staff members would be let go.

According to Gardner, CNN's lawyer Charles Tobin "visibly bristled" at the ruling and told the judge that the October 11 deadline to comply "upends" his plans.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Young, claims that CNN damaged his reputation and business by labeling him an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans in a Nov. 11, 2021, segment on "The Lead with Jake Tapper," which was posted on social media and also featured on CNN's website.

CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt reported that Afghans attempting to flee the country are confronted with a black market that offers false promises, excessive fees, and no assurance of safety or achievement.

Marquardt accused Young of exploiting desperate Afghans by charging exorbitant and impossible amounts for transportation to Pakistan, where they would end up in the United Arab Emirates.

Marquardt informed viewers that prices were unaffordable for most Afghans.

"Young declined to reveal the cost or confirm if he was earning money."

No other people or companies were named other than Young.

Marquardt informed viewers that in another message, Zachary Young stated, "Availability is extremely limited and demand is high," and added, "That's how economics works, unfortunately."

Marquardt's report was thanked by Tapper, who replied, "Unfortunately, hmm."

CNN was accused by Young of exploiting desperate people and portraying him as a "bad actor" through the use of terms such as "black market" and "exorbitant."

CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Brian Stelter, the CNN chief media analyst, was fired by previous management and returned to the network. His media newsletter did not return until Monday and he did not post about the defamation suit on X while he was away from the network.

In June 12, the First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida ruled that Young had sufficient evidence to proceed with a defamation suit against CNN for punitive damages.

"The court document states that "Young sufficiently proffered evidence of actual malice, expressed malice, and a level of conduct outrageous enough to open the door for him to seek punitive damages." However, the issue before us is not whether Young can ultimately prevail."

Despite the judges' concerns about the completeness and veracity of the reporting, CNN aired the story.

The judges wrote that CNN published a message exchange Young had with Marquardt just hours before publication, despite Young's warning of factual inaccuracies in the reporting. The judges also noted that other internal communications show CNN staffers had little regard for Young and used profanities and disparaging language when privately discussing him.

According to the court document, Marquardt referred to him as "f---ing Young" and made the comment, "it's your funeral, bucko."

The judges wrote that on appeal, CNN contended that it did not intend to cause harm; its language was either expressing an opinion or being ambiguous; and the internal communications were a reflection of a genuine belief in the accuracy of the reporting.