Kash Patel defamation lawsuit against Figliuzzi dismissed
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- A Houston federal judge dismissed FBI Director Kash Patel's defamation lawsuit against former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi, ruling that Figliuzzi's nightclub comment was rhetorical hyperbole and not a factual claim.
- The judge found that Figliuzzi's statement could not reasonably be interpreted as a literal assertion about Patel's whereabouts, thus failing to meet the standard for defamation.
- Patel had accused Figliuzzi of fabricating lies and showing animus, citing prior critical remarks about Patel's competence and loyalty, but the court did not find these sufficient for defamation.
- Figliuzzi's attorney hailed the ruling as a victory for press freedom and the First Amendment, while Patel's legal team did not immediately comment.
- This dismissal follows Patel's separate $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic over allegations of alcohol abuse.
