FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for defamation

(CBS, KYMA) - FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick this morning, seeking $250 million in a defamation suit for the magazine's reporting on Patel's alleged drinking.

The lawsuit was filed in the District of Columbia Monday.

The Atlantic's reporting, which was published Friday (4/17), cited more than two dozen anonymous sources expressing concern at Patel's "conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences."

The story was originally titled "Kash Patel's Erratic Behavior Could Cost Him His Job," and was later changed to say "The FBI Director Is MIA."

Patel's behavior has "alarmed" colleagues at the FBI, according to the report.

Patel's attorney, Jesse Binnall, posted a response on X Friday saying The Atlantic was "on notice that the claims were categorically false and defamatory. They published anyway. See you in court."

The following day, Patel posted to X saying in part, "Memo to the fake news - the only time I'll ever actually be concerned about the hit piece lies you write about me will be when you stop."

In response to the lawsuit, The Atlantic issued a statement saying, "We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit."