FBI Director Kash Patel’s girlfriend, country music singer and actor Alexis Wilkins, has filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in Nashville against MS NOW and reporters Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig. The suit accuses the outlet of relying on “sham” anonymous sources and publishing false claims that Wilkins abused federal resources connected to Patel’s security detail. According to the complaint, MS NOW falsely reported that Patel ordered agents assigned to Wilkins’ protection to escort an intoxicated friend home after a night of partying in Nashville, even though Wilkins says no security detail existed at the time. Her lawyers argue the story created the misleading impression that Wilkins herself was drinking, while she says she does not drink and is sober. They say the reporting damaged her reputation and professional standing and caused humiliation and other harm. Wilkins is seeking a jury trial and more than $75,000 in damages. MS NOW said it stands behind its reporting and declined further comment because of the pending legal matter. The article in question was published on December 5 and described Patel allegedly directing his security detail to help one of Wilkins’ intoxicated friends home on more than one occasion. Wilkins’ attorneys say that framing was false and defamatory, especially given her public image as a sober and responsible artist. Ben Williamson, an FBI spokesman, reportedly told the journalists before publication that Wilkins “doesn’t even drink.” The lawsuit comes as MS NOW, formerly MSNBC under NBCUniversal, operates as part of Versant Media Group after a spin-off earlier this year. Wilkins’ attorneys also represent Patel in a separate defamation case against The Atlantic over an April article alleging he drank to excess. That case is also being contested by the publication, which says it stands by its reporting.
