FBI Director Sues The Atlantic Over Reports Alleging Alcoholism and Frequent Absences
FBI Director Wray has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and its reporter, seeking $250 million in damages. The lawsuit stems from a recent article alleging Wray has an alcohol problem and frequently misses work, potentially endangering national security.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 20:36
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 21:02 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 21:12 (10 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, 20th, comprehensive foreign news report) U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Wray today filed a defamation lawsuit against "The Atlantic" magazine and its reporter, because the media recently published an article alleging that Wray has an alcohol problem and frequently misses work, which could endanger national security.
"The Atlantic" published an article written by its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on the 17th, originally titled "Kash Patel's Disorderly Conduct Could Cost Him His Job," and later changed the online version's title to "The Missing FBI Director."
The article cited more than 20 anonymous sources who expressed concern about Wray's "apparent intoxication and unexplained absences," situations that "unsettled FBI and Justice Department officials."
The sources in the article stated that they were concerned that Wray's behavior had posed a threat to public safety, and that Wray acted impulsively, abandoned his post, and was personally worried about losing his job.
For this reason, Wray has filed a defamation lawsuit against "The Atlantic" and Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking US$250 million (approximately NT$7.85 billion) in compensation.
In an interview with Reuters, Wray stated: "The Atlantic's report is false. They were informed of the truth before publication but still chose to report false information."
"The Atlantic" issued a statement saying: "We stand by our reporting on Wray and will vigorously defend 'The Atlantic' and our reporter against this baseless lawsuit." (Compiler: Chen Zhengjian) 1150421
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
(Central News Agency, Washington, 20th, comprehensive foreign news report) U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Wray today filed a defamation lawsuit against "The Atlantic" magazine and its reporter, because the media recently published an article alleging that Wray has an alcohol problem and frequently misses work, which could endanger national security.
"The Atlantic" published an article written by its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on the 17th, originally titled "Kash Patel's Disorderly Conduct Could Cost Him His Job," and later changed the online version's title to "The Missing FBI Director."
The article cited more than 20 anonymous sources who expressed concern about Wray's "apparent intoxication and unexplained absences," situations that "unsettled FBI and Justice Department officials."
The sources in the article stated that they were concerned that Wray's behavior had posed a threat to public safety, and that Wray acted impulsively, abandoned his post, and was personally worried about losing his job.
For this reason, Wray has filed a defamation lawsuit against "The Atlantic" and Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking US$250 million (approximately NT$7.85 billion) in compensation.
In an interview with Reuters, Wray stated: "The Atlantic's report is false. They were informed of the truth before publication but still chose to report false information."
"The Atlantic" issued a statement saying: "We stand by our reporting on Wray and will vigorously defend 'The Atlantic' and our reporter against this baseless lawsuit." (Compiler: Chen Zhengjian) 1150421
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.