FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over story on alleged drinking, absences
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, alleging the article contained false and fabricated claims about his drinking habits and absences.
- The lawsuit challenges 17 specific allegations from the article, including claims that Patel drinks to excess and that his irregular presence at FBI locations delayed critical decisions.
- The Atlantic has defended its reporting and stated it will vigorously contest the lawsuit, calling it meritless.
- This is Patel's second defamation lawsuit related to media reports about his alleged drinking, with a previous case against MSNBC analyst Frank Figliuzzi still pending.
