CNN Faces $1.3 Bln Lawsuit - $1 per person in China

In New York, Liang Shubing, the beautician, and Li Lilan, a Beijing-based elementary school instructor, are suing commentator Jack Cafferty and CNN $1.3 billion for "violating the dignity and reputation of the Chinese people.

They are seeking $1.3 billion in compensation, which is equal to $1 per person in China," according to a Hong Kong newspaper.

"The $1.3 billion averages out to $1 per Chinese person, so it isn't much," the Ta Kung Pao newspaper reported on Thursday.

On the April 9 broadcast of CNN's "The Situation Room," Cafferty said, "I think our relationship with China has certainly changed. I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years."

Cafferty also said the United States imported Chinese-made "junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food."

China's Foreign Ministry demanded an apology and accused the network of trying to create a rift between the Chinese people and their leadership.

Meanwhile, the group of 14 lawyers sued the Atlanta-based cable channel after Cafferty said that Chinese people are "a bunch of goons and thugs." The lawyers said the remarks have harmed the reputation and dignity of people of the Communist nation.

The lawsuits come amid growing criticism in China against Western media outlets after the negative coverage the country has received from the political unrest in Tibet and disruptions to the Beijing Olympic torch relay.