CNN anchor Jake Tapper's sworn testimony during a defamation trial has come under scrutiny after social media posts appear to contradict his claims about not paying attention to ratings. The trial, brought by Navy veteran Zachary Young, centers on a 2021 CNN report that Young alleges defamed him.
During a pre-recorded deposition played in court, Tapper stated he doesn't monitor ratings, claiming he's unaware of his show's viewership. However, online evidence suggests otherwise. Numerous posts from Tapper's social media accounts show him celebrating his program's ratings performance and highlighting viewership figures for other shows, including political debates and even "Sharknado 2." These posts span several years, indicating a consistent pattern of acknowledging and promoting viewership data.
One example cited is a March 2024 post where Tapper celebrated the ratings of his CNN special, "United States of Scandal." This post came just months before his deposition testimony. He's used similar language regarding ratings fluctuations across several years on various platforms. Tapper has also shared articles boasting about his show's ratings successes. Beyond his own programs, Tapper has commented on viewership for a diverse range of broadcasts, from presidential speeches to reality TV.
The lawsuit stems from a CNN report about Afghans seeking to leave the country after the U.S. military withdrawal. Young claims the report falsely implied he was involved in illicit activities, damaging his reputation. Tapper introduced the segment, and CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt conducted the reporting. Young's lawsuit alleges the report misrepresented his efforts to assist Afghans leaving the country.
CNN has expressed confidence in its defense. The trial is ongoing and being streamed on Fox News Digital. Neither Tapper nor CNN has responded to requests for comment on the apparent discrepancy between Tapper's testimony and his social media activity.
