FBI director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over allegations of excessive drinking and erratic behavior that allegedly compromised his duties and national security.
- The lawsuit claims The Atlantic published false statements with "actual malice," accusing Patel of ignoring denials and failing to conduct proper investigation, while The Atlantic defends its reporting as thoroughly sourced from over two dozen anonymous insiders.
- Patel threatened legal action before publication, and while defamation cases often fail due to the high "actual malice" standard, legal experts note the case could proceed to discovery, potentially involving sworn testimonies from Patel and others.
- First Amendment lawyer Adam Steinbaugh criticized the lawsuit as lacking merit but acknowledged its potential chilling effect on media outlets considering similar stories.
- Fitzpatrick stands by her reporting and has legal support, while CNN has not independently verified the claims made in The Atlantic’s article.
