Crossed the legal line : Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic

“Crossed the legal line”: Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic on Monday, claiming the magazine’s recent exposé on his time as agency director was a malicious “hit piece.” The piece, published by the outlet last week, painted Patel’s tenure as run through with extended, “unexplained absences.” Citing interviews with dozens of FBI insiders, reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick called the director “erratic, suspicious of others, and prone to jumping to conclusions before he has necessary evidence” and shared that his “drinking has been a recurring source of concern across the government.” Patel threatened to sue The Atlantic over the claims prior to the article’s publication, daring the magazine to “print it” in a statement that was included in the final story. “All false, I’ll see you in court—bring your checkbook,” he said. Patel’s defamation suit accuses The Atlantic of “actual malice,” a legal test that needs to be met for public officials to successfully prove they’ve been