A jury has been appointed for the CNN defamation trial following several candidates expressing their dislike of the network: "I'm not a fan of CNN."

In Bay County, Florida, jury selection for the defamation lawsuit filed by a U.S. Navy veteran against CNN concluded on Monday.

Six women and two men were chosen as jurors and alternates for the upcoming trial of U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, who accuses CNN of defaming him by suggesting he profited illegally while helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's withdrawal in 2021.

CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" segment on November 11, 2021, branded Young an "illegal profiteer" who exploited "desperate Afghans," according to Young. Despite this, Judge William S. Henry, presiding over the trial, ruled that Young did not act illegally or criminally. The judge also deemed CNN's on-air apology inadequate.

During the selection process, potential jurors expressed their opinions about the media, veterans, punitive damages, and their affiliation with CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. The process began with the first prospective juror stating, "I am not fair towards the media, especially CNN," when asked if they could be impartial. Another juror responded, "I am not a fan of CNN," when asked the same question.

One prospective juror stated that CNN is too "conservative" for her preferences, one suggested that media outlets have the audacity to say anything about anyone and "play the victim" when criticized, and another asserted that he could remain impartial, but added, "I simply don't see things the way they do."

A juror broke out in laughter during the trial when he candidly stated why he would not be an effective juror.

He said, "Sitting here is killing me. I'm hyperactive, smoke, and need to pee."

The potential jurors were asked if they would feel comfortable awarding someone more than $100 million in punitive damages. As long as there was evidence to support it, nobody objected.

Six potential jurors raised their hands when asked by Young's attorney, Vel Freedman, if they believed CNN produces "fake news." This question was prompted by a specific juror who referred to CNN as "fake news."

None of the jurors who criticized CNN were chosen for the jury, nor was the "hyperactive" individual.

Despite CNN's documented viewership issues and recent low ratings, only one of the 40-plus prospective jurors claimed to regularly watch the network. Additionally, only two of the candidates recognized CNN anchor Jake Tapper and neither admitted to being a regular viewer of his program.

Adam Levine, senior vice president of news and executive editorial director at CNN, was present to represent the network. No other CNN staff members were visible.

On Tuesday morning, the trial will resume, with Young expected to testify early on. The proceedings will be broadcast live.