Alexis Wilkins, the partner of FBI Director Kash Patel, has initiated legal proceedings against conservative podcaster Elijah Schaffer by filing a defamation lawsuit on October 28, 2025. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, case number 9:25-cv-81334-DMM, seeks damages totaling $5 million. The action stems from a social media post by Schaffer, which Wilkins' legal team argues falsely insinuates that she is an Israeli spy.
The controversy revolves around a retweet by Schaffer on September 14, 2025, which shared content from another user, Hen Mazzig, discussing the employment of female Mossad agents in operations against Iran. Schaffer's post, though without comment, attached a photograph of Wilkins with Patel at a formal gathering. The juxtaposition, according to Wilkins' complaint, indirectly accused her of utilizing her relationship with Patel to undermine U.S. national security, amidst emerging online speculation of her being a "honeypot" operative.
Wilkins' lawsuit asserts that Schaffer's actions have exposed her to harassment and threats, also arguing that his critique of Israeli influence on U.S. policy and apparent disdain for Patel demonstrated "actual malice." To prevail in court, Wilkins will need to demonstrate, as per the 1964 Supreme Court New York Times Co. v. Sullivan ruling, that Schaffer either knew his implications were false or acted with reckless disregard for their veracity.
Schaffer has publicly responded to the lawsuit on social media, denouncing it as an attack on free speech and a disgrace to both the FBI and the administration of President Donald Trump. He has maintained that he has not engaged in defamation nor any illegal activity.
The case raises questions about the legal protections for online expression, including retweets, which Florida courts generally consider to be sharing rather than explicit endorsement. This legal challenge may test the extent of such protections.
In a related development, Rift News, Schaffer's media outlet, reported that Wilkins previously filed a similar lawsuit against a former FBI agent, Kyle Seraphin, for a podcast episode that satirically referenced rumors of her being involved in espionage. Seraphin has since sought dismissal, citing satire and a prior meeting with the couple. A hearing is scheduled for December.
Further scrutiny surrounds Patel himself, following reported use of the FBI's Gulfstream V jet for travel to events linked to Wilkins, including her national anthem performance and social engagements. These trips occurred amidst a partial government shutdown, raising questions about the appropriateness of the jet's use.
Patel has taken to social media to defend Wilkins and the FBI's work, underscoring their commitment to law enforcement and dismissing the allegations as baseless distractions.
