FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article that alleged excessive drinking and workplace misconduct.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, targeting a story published by The Atlantic that included allegations of "excessive drinking" as well as "conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences" during Patel's tenure at the FBI.

The article was written by veteran national security reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. According to court documents, Patel alleges the article was malicious and inaccurate in its characterizations of his conduct and professional performance.

Patel had previously threatened legal action against the publication over the story's contents. The Atlantic has stood behind its reporting and the journalist's work on the article.

The defamation case represents a significant legal challenge between a high-ranking federal law enforcement official and a major news publication. The $250 million damage claim is among the larger amounts sought in recent media defamation cases.

The lawsuit centers on allegations that could affect Patel's professional reputation and standing as FBI Director, a position requiring Senate confirmation and public trust.