Billionaire Leon Black filed a federal defamation lawsuit on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing California Rep. Robert Garcia of making false and malicious statements that tie him to the criminal activities of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Background of the dispute
The lawsuit follows a recent House resolution that held Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with the Oversight Committee’s subpoenas in its investigation of Epstein. In June, Black voluntarily appeared before the committee and denied any knowledge of Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network.
Weeks after that interview, Garcia appeared on a television program and asserted that “Leon Black is at the center of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes” and that Black was “one of the last people to actually interact” with Epstein before the financier’s suicide in prison. Garcia also claimed he had spoken with survivors who “credibly named Leon Black as someone that was involved in direct abuse of women and was directly involved” with Epstein.
Legal claims and requested relief
Black’s attorneys argue that Garcia’s statements are false, were made with actual malice, and have caused substantial harm to Black’s reputation, personal safety, and business interests. The complaint seeks a jury trial and $7.25 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
According to the filing, Garcia’s alleged lies have resulted in “a barrage of hateful calls, emails, and social media posts,” and have threatened Black’s physical safety, as well as damaged his philanthropic endeavors.
Responses from both sides
Garcia’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. In September, Garcia described the House contempt resolution against Black as “an important step toward justice and accountability.”
Black’s legal team has repeatedly criticized the Oversight Committee’s pursuit of the former Apollo Global Management co‑founder, calling it an abuse of congressional power. They maintain that Black had no knowledge of any criminal conduct by Epstein.
Context of the Epstein investigation
Black co‑founded the private‑equity firm Apollo Global Management and stepped down in 2021 amid scrutiny over his ties to Epstein. Lawmakers have alleged that Black paid Epstein roughly $180 million over the course of their relationship. A 2021 internal review commissioned by Apollo reported that Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for “bona fide tax, estate‑planning and other related services,” after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Other prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and philanthropist Bill Gates, were also asked to appear before the committee as part of its long‑running probe into Epstein’s alleged sexual‑abuse network.
What’s next
The case will proceed through the federal court system, where a judge will determine whether Garcia’s statements meet the legal standard for defamation and actual malice. If the court allows the case to go to trial, a jury will decide the amount of damages, if any, owed to Black.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
