WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and one of its journalists, accusing the publication of printing false allegations intended to damage his reputation and force him out of office.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, names The Atlantic Monthly Group and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick. Patel alleges the magazine published a “malicious” article containing false claims about his conduct, including accusations of excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure leading the FBI.
In the complaint, Patel argues the article included “fabricated allegations” designed to harm his standing and career. He is seeking at least $250 million in damages, along with additional relief.
The Atlantic article cited anonymous sources who claimed Patel engaged in inappropriate behavior while in office. The Washington Post, which also reported on the matter, said it had not independently verified those claims.
Patel’s legal filing disputes the allegations, stating that specific incidents described in the article — including claims that meetings were rescheduled due to drinking or that security staff sought special equipment to access him — are false.
The lawsuit further contends that the publication acted with “actual malice,” the legal standard required in defamation cases involving public officials. Patel argues the claims were either knowingly false or published with reckless...
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