FBI Director Kash Patel made good on his threat to sue The Atlantic over a report about his alleged excessive drinking, but not everyone was convinced that was a wise decision.
The complaint filed Monday alleges The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC and its staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick published “an article replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations designed to destroy Director Patel’s reputation and drive him from office,” and Patel is seeking $250 million in damages and other actions deemed by the court.
The report cites more than two dozen sources, including current and former FBI officials, who claim the 46-year-old Patel has become notorious for erratic behavior and excessive drinking, and they said he has moved meetings to later in the day to recover from intoxication and has at times been unable to be reached when needed.
Some of his critics say Patel risked having those claims verified through the discovery process in his lawsuit against the publication.
“Ok kids, he did it: Kash Patel has filed $250M defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic It’s 19 pgs long and claims: ‘Defendants published with actual malice, despite being expressly warned, hours before publication, that the central allegations were categorically false,’” posted journalist Mona Burns. “Can’t wait for discovery.”
“Who is the person in the Trump admin who is supposed to be the adult in the room to make sure senior Trump appointees don’t do dumb s— like this? Susie Wiles? Scavino? Anyone? Bueller?” wondered MeidasNews editor in chief Ron Filipkowski.
“Patel’s next move is to make the Atlantic disclose their sources, which they probably won’t do,” predicted Bluesky user murderedbybluesky. “Then the case will be tied up in contempt hearings. Slow down tactic abuse. We just take it assuming the rule of law means anything.”
“I really hope The Atlantic decides to NOT file a 12b6 motion to dismiss and pushes for discovery instead,” commented Democracy Docket’s Jim Saksa. “Make Patel actually see this through or drop it himself, don’t let him scapegoat a judge.”
“Yes, let’s have discovery on The Atlantic’s extremely well-sourced/diversely sourced article on Kash Patel being a drunk,” opined Bluesky user RevDJEsq says Abolish ICE, adding a photo of Patel chugging a beer in the Team USA men’s hockey team locker room.
“Corrupt drunken lunatic Kash Patel is now filing a frivolous $250M lawsuit against the Atlantic whilst sitting at the head of the FBI,” added influencer Ricky Davila. “Every scumbag in the MAGA regime is a fraudster. Wait until he finds out about how discovery works.”
“Discovery is gonna be funny as hell, I hope we get to see some videos of the FBI director blacked out singing karaoke,” cracked journalist Molly Conger.
“Kash Patel’s lawsuit against The Atlantic has been filed,” noted NBC News reporter Ryan J. Reilly. “All else aside, it confirms this: Kash Patel was locked out of the FBI system on Friday, April 10. The lockout set off a flurry of inquires “to the FBI/DOJ/WH about whether Patel had been fired.”
“The deposition of Kash Patel is going to be awesome. And the attorneys for the Atlantic should all be holding beers while doing the deposition,” chimed in Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA).
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