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Attorneys representing FBI Director Kash Patel responded sharply Monday to The Atlantic’s attempt to dismiss a $250 million defamation lawsuit filed against the magazine and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick. The publication simultaneously filed motions to dismiss the case and to stay discovery except for Touhy requests in U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C. Patel initiated the legal action in April, claiming The Atlantic published a “defamatory hit piece” that included unsubstantiated allegations of drunken conduct.
Jesse Binnall, Patel’s attorney, criticized The Atlantic’s strategy as an effort to shield its sources while accessing government documents freely. “It’s truly incredible that The Atlantic wants one-sided discovery so that it can shield its own so-called ‘sources’ while being able to rummage through government documents unimpeded,” Binnall stated to Fox News Digital. He asserted the magazine fears accountability and operates above the law, vowing to prove otherwise in court.
The Atlantic’s motion contends the lawsuit targets protected journalism and invokes concerns about a chilling effect on press freedom. Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg stated the publication will defend itself vigorously and continue covering the FBI professionally while refusing to be intimidated by “politically motivated retaliation.” The magazine’s legal filing argues Patel’s pattern of defamation suits against outlets sends a troubling message to journalists about the cost of unfavorable reporting.
The Atlantic’s April article detailed serious allegations against Patel, including instances of erratic behavior, excessive drinking, and unexplained absences. The story cited more than two dozen unnamed sources, including current and former FBI officials, law enforcement personnel, and Capitol Hill staff. Patel has categorically denied the accusations, declaring in a statement included in the original report: “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook.”
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