Federal Judge Dismisses Kash Patel's Defamation Lawsuit Against Frank Figliuzzi

A federal judge has dismissed FBI Director Kash Patel’s defamation lawsuit against former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi.

Patel had claimed that Figliuzzi slandered him during interviews on MS NOW, where the legal commentator stated that Patel had “been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor” of the FBI’s Washington headquarters. Patel argued this was not true, but Figliuzzi countered that the remark was sarcastic—a form of protected speech.

The judge agreed with Figliuzzi. In a Tuesday decision, U.S. District Court Judge George Hanks Jr. wrote:

“The Court finds that Figliuzzi’s statement is rhetorical hyperbole that cannot constitute defamation. Accordingly, Dir. Patel has failed to state a claim against Figliuzzi, and his lawsuit must be dismissed.”

Figliuzzi further argued that Patel’s lawsuit was an attempt to silence criticism, calling it a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP).

Patel’s Controversial Public Behavior

Figliuzzi’s remarks, while hyperbolic, were not entirely baseless. Patel has faced multiple scandals tied to his public behavior:

• Taxpayer-funded travel: Patel has frequently used FBI jets for personal trips, including to Las Vegas, Nashville, and Penn State to visit his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, during a wrestling event.
• Olympics incident: At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Patel was recorded chugging beer and celebrating with the U.S. men’s hockey team. He later claimed he was “celebrating with his friends.”

Ongoing Legal and Political Fallout

Patel has continued to face scrutiny over his conduct. On Monday, he filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic after the magazine published a report citing internal sources who described Patel’s drinking habits as excessive and potentially affecting his judgment.

“FBI officials and others in the administration have privately questioned whether alcohol played a role in the instances in which he shared inaccurate information about active law-enforcement investigations, including following the murder of Charlie Kirk,” The Atlantic reported.

Donald Trump, known for his abstinence from alcohol, reportedly called Patel after the Olympics incident to express his displeasure. Insiders suggest Patel’s future in the Trump administration may be in jeopardy.

“We’re all just waiting for the word” that Patel has been fired, one FBI official told The Atlantic’s Sarah Fitzpatrick.