FBI Director Kash Patel filed a lawsuit on Monday against The Atlantic and its journalist, Sarah Fitzpatrick, over their report just days earlier detailing allegations of his “excessive drinking and unexplained absences.”
Patel is seeking $250 million in damages from the magazine, which he accused of publishing a “hit piece” about his alleged erratic behavior despite his denial.
“Defendants are of course free to criticize the leadership of the FBI, but they crossed the legal line by publishing an article replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations designed to destroy Director Patel’s reputation and drive him from office,” the lawsuit stated.
It is standard journalistic practice to report on serious allegations against a high-level public official, even if said official denies them. Fitzpatrick’s piece included a comment from Patel, which said, “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court – bring your checkbook.”
The media company said Monday in a statement, “We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit.”
