FBI director Kash Patel has sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick for defamation concerning a report that he has allegedly “alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.”
The suit, which was filed Monday morning in US District Court in the District of Columbia, seeks $250 million in damage, according to CNN.
“We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit,” a spokesperson from The Atlantic told CNN.
For his part, Patel addressed the suit in a public address.
“I’m like an everyday American who loves his country, loves the sport of hockey, and champions my friends when they raise a gold medal and invite me in to celebrate,” Patel said of himself celebrating Team USA’s Olympic gold medal victory in hockey over Canada with the team. “I’ve never been intoxicated on the job, and that’s why we filed a $250 million lawsuit. Any one of you who wants to participate — bring it on. I’ll see you in court.”
Kash Patel: “I’m like an everyday American who loves his country, loves the sport of hockey, and champions my friends when they raise a gold medal and invite me in to celebrate. I’ve never been intoxicated on the job, and that’s why we filed a $250 million lawsuit. Any one of you… pic.twitter.com/Z6pUFCwf2h
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 21, 2026
People reacted to Patel’s statement on social media.
“Referring to the hockey team as ‘my friends’ is BY FAR the most pathetic part of this. Yikes,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Referring to the hockey team as "my friends" is BY FAR the most pathetic part of this. Yikes. https://t.co/TWWZnsPc4L
— Kendall Brown (@kendallybrown) April 21, 2026
“Can’t a man drink a few beers with his friends? On a government-funded private jet? Give the man a break,” one person wrote sarcastically.
“So out of touch with reality and the optics of this whole situation,” anotehr person added.
It’ll be interesting to see how the lawsuit goes.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.