Kash Patel The Atlantic defamation lawsuit FBI late-night comedy Seth Meyers drinking allegations news satire

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic this week, and late-night host Seth Meyers had a few choice words about it.

On his Tuesday night monologue, Meyers joked that Patel’s legal action might be the result of intoxication, referencing a recent report from the magazine that alleged Patel’s drinking had impacted his job performance.

“Said Patel this morning, ‘Oh man, I did?’” Meyers quipped, mimicking a drunken reaction.

He then mocked the lawsuit itself, questioning Patel’s reasoning for suing over a claim that a print magazine could afford a $250 million payout.

“You’d have to be pretty drunk to think a print magazine can afford $250 million,” Meyers said.

The Atlantic’s report, published last Friday, cited more than two dozen anonymous sources who claimed Patel is a frequent drinker. The sources alleged his habits have raised concerns across the federal government and could cost him his job.

Writer Sarah Fitzpatrick reported that Patel, in his early days as FBI director, rescheduled multiple meetings due to hangovers and had incidents where his security detail struggled to wake him up. The article also noted that Trump administration officials have discussed potential replacements for Patel.

Despite changes to the story’s headline, The Atlantic defended its reporting in a statement:

“We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit.”

Meyers’ full segment on the lawsuit is available in the video above.

Source: The Wrap
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