Kash Patel files defamation lawsuit against Atlantic
FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, citing false and damaging claims.
FBI Director Kash Patel’s court filing in his $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic includes a private social club in Washington, D.C.
What’s Ned’s stuff? Why is it tangled inside Patel’s suit?
What did The Atlantic say about Ned?
In an April 17 article titled “FBI Director MIA,” The Atlantic claimed that Patel’s alleged drinking habits were well known in Washington, D.C., circles.
“He has been known to drink to the point of obvious intoxication at his private club Ned’s in Washington, D.C., in the presence of the White House and other administration staff,” the article said, citing unnamed sources. “He is also known to drink excessively at the Poodle Room in Las Vegas, often spending part of his weekends there. Early in his tenure, alcohol-intoxicated nights resulted in meetings and briefings having to be rescheduled to later in the day.”
What is Ned?
Neds Club is described on its website as a private space for “diverse professionals to gather, work, and have fun.”
Ned’s, which also has locations in London, New York and Qatar, is located on 15th Street Northwest, across from the White House.
Ned’s offers daily events including CEO-led workshops and panel discussions, access to fine dining and bars, spa access, special bedroom rates and other perks.
Potential members must provide a photo and introduction of themselves before being allowed to join.
Neds values privacy and photography is prohibited inside the club.
When the club opened last year, WTOP announced a $5,000 initiation fee and $5,000 annual dues.
What did Kash Patel say about Ned?
Patel said the Atlantic’s accusations that he was frequently drunk at Ned’s and the Poodle Room were “false and defamatory.”
“Secretary Patel does not drink to excess at these establishments or any other location, and this is not, and has never been, a concern to the entire government,” Patel said in the lawsuit.
Mr. Patel insisted that The Atlantic never contacted Mr. Nedd to assist with the sources’ statements.
“At no time did they cross-check Secretary Patel’s public schedule against his claim that the meeting had to be rescheduled for an ‘alcohol-fueled night,'” according to the complaint.
“We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel,” The Atlantic said in a statement Monday.
“We will vigorously defend The Atlantic and its journalists against this meritless lawsuit,” the magazine said.
