Jake Tapper testifies in CNN defamation trial: "I don't pay attention to ratings" contradicts online posts.

During a high-profile defamation trial, CNN anchor Jake Tapper made a bold claim under oath, but his own social media activity appears to undermine this claim.

On Tuesday, jurors in the trial brought by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young heard Tapper's pre-recorded video deposition, which was presented in a report that defamed him on "The Lead with Jake Tapper" in Nov. 2021.

In the recorded November 2024 exchange, Young's attorney asked off-camera for an overview of viewership numbers for "The Lead."

"I cannot," Tapper responded.

The attorney followed by asking, "How many people watch 'The Lead' on average?"

"I do not pay attention to ratings," Tapper replied.

Tapper explained that Nielsen ratings metrics are used by shows, networks, and advertisers to determine the number of viewers watching a program at any given moment, as requested by attorney Vel Freedman.

"So, yeah," Tapper added, stating that he does not pay attention to Nielsen ratings.

Over a dozen social media posts have been discovered by Planet Chronicle Digital, showing Tapper boasting about his show's ratings or praising others, which contradicts and weakens his sworn testimony.

Ratings fluctuate, but UNITED STATES OF SCANDAL had the highest ratings in the key demo on Sunday, and was the most watched show on CNN. Thank you for tuning in! Tapper had previously touted the ratings of his CNN special in March 2024, eight months before stating under oath that he doesn't care about ratings. He also mentioned the ratings of the show the month prior.

Tapper has consistently used the same "ratings fluctuate" phrase in August 2018, April 2021, and February 2024.

In January 2015, Tapper experienced a ratings surge, with a 75% increase in viewership.

"I'm humbled that you're watching #TheLead, and my team and I work hard to bring you the best content," Tapper wrote in response to the article.

He monitors the ratings of a variety of programs, including the CNBC GOP primary debate in 2015, a speech given by then-President Trump in 2017, and "Sharknado 2."

In January 2017, Trump was criticized on-air by Tapper for denying the decline in ratings of "The Apprentice."

"At the time, Tapper stated that "The Apprentice" was highly rated in its initial seasons, but viewership eventually declined. The show's former publicist revealed that Trump was unwilling to acknowledge this change and attempted to influence those who published the ratings."

Tapper posted a link to his on-air report on X, stating, "Lessons about Trump can be gleaned from 'The Apprentice' and ratings."

Neither Tapper nor CNN responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.

The defamation trial outcome is predicted by CNN to be in their favor once all the facts are revealed.

Young claimed in his lawsuit that CNN falsely suggested he made illegal profits from people trying to escape Afghanistan after the Biden administration's military withdrawal, damaging his professional reputation.

The 2021 report was first teased by Tapper, who informed CNN viewers that desperate Afghans were still trying to flee the country, but were being targeted by individuals demanding exorbitant payments to leave.

Tapper stated that Marquardt discovered that "Afghans attempting to flee the country encounter a black market filled with false promises, excessive fees, and no assurance of safety or achievement."

The trial resumed Wednesday and is being streamed live on Planet Chronicle Digital.