FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article alleging excessive drinking and unexplained absences, calling the report false and malicious. The complaint was filed Monday in federal court in Washington and targets an April 17 story that Patel says relied on anonymous sources and ignored direct denials from the FBI.
- The lawsuit names The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick as defendants.
- Patel’s complaint challenges an April 17 article that alleged intoxication, erratic behavior, and absences affecting FBI operations.
- The suit says the publication relied on anonymous sources and published the story despite receiving pre-publication denials.
- Patel alleges The Atlantic later changed the article’s original headline after publication.
- The complaint seeks at least $250 million in compensatory, special, and punitive damages.
- Patel is also seeking disgorgement of revenue tied to the story.
- The Atlantic said it stands by its reporting and plans to defend against the lawsuit.
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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more detail
