Kash Patel Appeals Defamation Lawsuit Dismissal Against Frank Figliuzzi

Kash Patel has filed an appeal against a dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Frank Figliuzzi in Houston federal court, following U.S. District Court Judge George Hanks Jr.'s ruling on April 21, 2026. The judge concluded that Figliuzzi's statements were rhetorical hyperbole and did not meet the criteria for defamation. This lawsuit stems from comments made by Figliuzzi during a May 2, 2025, interview where he suggested Patel was often seen at nightclubs. Patel's appeal will be reviewed by the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, with specific grounds for the appeal to be outlined later.