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Jill Kelley, the Florida socialite who became famous for her role in the Petraeus scandal, is suing the federal government for leaking her name to the media, reports NBC News. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Jill Kelley is Suing the FBI and the Department of Defense for Leaking Private Information
David Petraeus and Jill Kelley (Getty Images)
Kelley and her husband are suing the federal government, claiming that the FBI and Department of Defense violated her privacy by leaking confidential information about her role in the scandal that led to the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus.
Kelley released a statement on Monday:
“Today is an unforgettable day because one year ago threatening emails shook my life, and ultimately changed our country’s leadership,” Kelley said in the statement. “It was under the faithful direction of our concerned military leaders, that I went to the law enforcement to seek the proper protection for my family, our Commanders and top US Officials. But unfortunately, we did not receive the confidentiality and protection. Instead we received highly hurtful and damaging publicity from willful leaks from high level government officials that were false and defamatory. In addition, we also learned that our personal emails were wrongfully searched, and improperly disclosed.”
2. Kelley Told the FBI She Was Receiving Blackmail and Extortion Threats
General David Petraeus (Getty Images)
Kelley told the FBI in May 2012 that she was receiving blackmail and extortion threats from an unknown person jealous of Kelley’s relationship with Petraeus.
3. The Complaint Revealed Paula Broadwell Was Having an Affair with David Petraeus
Paula Broadwell (Getty Images)
Kelley’s complaint led to an investigation that revealed Petraeus was having an affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell. Petraeus resigned from his position in November and just a few days later, Kelley’s name was leaked to the media.
4. Kelley’s Involvement Turned Her Life Upside Down
When Kelley’s name went public, the 38-year-old mother says her family lost all privacy as the media bombarded their home.
“Our government can and should do better than intrude on the privacy and dignity of citizens like my family and yours, and our public officials should treat our personal lives with the respect that our Constitution, laws like the Privacy Act, and standards of common decency require,” she said. “Until our privacy laws and practices truly give us both privacy and protection, I’ll continue to advocate for reform, so others don’t go through the challenges my friends and family endured.”
5. The FBI Has Declined to Comment
