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FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic over allegations of drinking problem

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of an article on Friday alleging the director had a drinking problem that could pose… Grouped from 4 articles across 4 sources.

4 reports4 sourcesApr 20, 2026, 7:08 PM
FilterThe Globe and Mail
Clustered coverageABC Australia, CNBC, The Globe and Mail, The Guardian
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The Globe and MailApr 20, 2026, 7:08 PM

FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic over allegations of drinking problem

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of an article on Friday alleging the director had a drinking problem that could pose a threat to national security.

The GuardianApr 20, 2026, 2:42 PM

Kash Patel sues the Atlantic over bombshell story detailing allegations of misconduct

Magazine has stood behind the story, which was written by veteran national security reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick Kash Patel has followed through on a threat to sue the Atlantic and the author of a story the magazine published that included allegations of “excessive drinking” as well as “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences” while in charge of the law enforcement agency. The FBI director filed a defamation lawsuit in US district court for the District of Columbia that seeks $250m in damages. Continue reading...

ABC AustraliaApr 20, 2026, 6:37 PM

FBI director sues The Atlantic for $348m over report detailing misconduct

Kash Patel denies all allegations in the report, which quotes numerous sources alleging drinking and absences.

CNBCApr 20, 2026, 5:06 PM

Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over alcohol abuse claims

The Atlantic article said FBI Director Kash Patel "has alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences."

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