FBI Director Kash Patel is livid about accusations leveled against him last week. Hence, he has sued The Atlantic Monthly for a quarter billion dollars ($250 million).
On April 17, The Atlantic published an article portraying Kash Patel as a drunkard. The first time Patel complained about the article, the author said she stood by its contents. She emphasized that she had conducted thorough research, including interviews with 24 people who knew Patel well.
Kash Patel’s Reaction
Justifying his move to sue the US publication, the FBI Director said the portrayal of his character was not only malicious but also defamatory. The article alleged that Patel’s drinking habit affects his ability to serve as required by his office.
One of the most serious allegations The Atlantic made was that, at times, Kash Patel’s security has had to find breach equipment to access him. These would be times when he had allegedly been drinking behind closed doors.
Patel termed the publication’s allegations of breach episodes just fantasy. He sought to explain that FBI protection personnel are issued with breaching equipment as a matter of routine.
Meanwhile, the publication does not seem willing to retract its accusations, saying that among its sources were both current and former FBI officers.