FBI Director Kash Patel has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director for counterintelligence at the FBI and a columnist for MSNBC, who alleged that Patel frequents nightclubs more than he works at the bureau’s headquarters.
As reported by Just the News, Patel filed the lawsuit against Figliuzzi in a Texas federal court on June 2. His legal representatives contended that Figliuzzi “crossed the legal line by fabricating a specific lie about Director Patel.”
During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program on May 2, Figliuzzi remarked about Patel, “Reportedly, he’s been seen at nightclubs significantly more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover building. Additionally, there are claims that his daily briefings have been reduced from every day to perhaps twice a week.”
Figliuzzi further stated, “The one word that keeps coming back to me from inside that building is ‘chaos.’ People are uncertain about what is occurring from day to day.”
The lawsuit claims, “Defendant knew that this was a lie when he made that statement,” as reported by The Hill.
According to Patel’s lawsuit, “Since assuming the role of Director of the FBI, Director Patel has not spent a single minute in a nightclub,” asserting that Figliuzzi “fabricated this narrative to undermine Director Patel” due to Figliuzzi’s “clear animus” towards him.
In the upcoming episode of “Morning Joe,” correspondent Jonathan Lemire stated, “Figliuzzi mentioned that FBI Director Kash Patel has allegedly been more present at nightclubs than at his office at FBI headquarters. This assertion is inaccurate. We have not substantiated that claim.”
Last month, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino provided an update regarding the bureau’s efforts to address the illegal migrant crisis, while simultaneously defending his superior.
The deputy director addressed the allegations concerning Patel’s nightclub activities on the X platform.”I would like to inform you about several matters that I believe are progressing positively, as well as areas where we can, and will, improve,” he began his update.
“I have no intention of downplaying this situation – it has been challenging in this new position to remain relatively silent while certain media outlets continue to completely fabricate narratives about our operations at the FBI. However, that is part of the responsibility of being a public servant. I no longer work for myself; I work for the public,” he wrote, alluding to the rumors surrounding Patel.
“While I cannot address all the absurdities in this single post, I will respond to the ongoing criticisms directed at Director Patel. The Director’s office is adjacent to mine. I participate in most of the briefings he attends. He dedicates between 10 to 12 hours in the office, engaging in meetings with various individuals, including foreign law enforcement leaders and our counter-terrorism teams, among others,” Bongino wrote.
Any claim to the contrary is a provable falsehood intended to hinder our reforms and undermine your trust. I am resolute in this stance. You are being misled by individuals with ulterior motives, and it is not aligned with your interests,” he stated in his post.
Bongino also shared further insights regarding the developments at the bureau since his appointment as No. 2 by President Trump.
“The workforce has been diligently engaged in task force operations aimed at removing dangerous illegal aliens from the nation. The efforts are ongoing. The message is unequivocal. If you have entered this country unlawfully to exploit our citizens, your time here is limited. These removal and incarceration initiatives will significantly alter the crime landscape in the nation, especially when paired with the administration’s unwavering commitment to securing the border. Anticipate an increase in these operations, not a decrease,” he wrote.
“Crimes against children are of utmost importance to the workforce. Operation ‘Restoring Justice,’ which resulted in the incarceration of child predators and 764 individuals across the nation, is merely the beginning. We will strip away your freedom if you infringe upon a child’s innocence. Consider your actions carefully if you have targeted children, as you will be next,” Bongino added.
