Leon Black Sues Robert Garcia Over Epstein Comments

Leon Black filed a federal lawsuit against California Democratic Representative Robert Garcia on Wednesday, seeking $7.25 million in damages. The complaint, submitted in the Southern District of New York, accuses the congressman of defamation for false statements linking Black to the criminal activities of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The suit requests a jury trial to determine liability.

The legal action centers on remarks Garcia made in a television interview shortly after Black voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee in June. During that session, Black denied knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Garcia later characterized Black as being at the center of Epstein’s crimes and identified him as one of the final individuals to interact with Epstein before the financier’s suicide in prison.

Garcia also asserted he had spoken with survivors who credibly identified Black as a direct abuser and an active participant in Epstein’s operations. Black’s attorneys argue these claims were false and malicious. They contend the remarks have threatened Black’s physical safety, triggering a wave of hostile phone calls, emails, and social media messages. The lawyers also claim the comments have harmed Black’s business interests and philanthropic reputation. Garcia’s office had not responded to requests for comment as of publication.

This litigation follows a House vote in September that approved a resolution holding Black in contempt of Congress. The measure addressed Black’s refusal to comply with subpoenas for his appearance and documents related to potential nondisclosure agreements in the Epstein investigation. Garcia previously called that contempt vote an important step toward justice and accountability. Black’s legal team has consistently challenged the committee’s actions, labeling them an abuse of congressional authority while maintaining that Black knew nothing of Epstein’s conduct.

The Oversight Committee’s probe has extended to other prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and billionaire Bill Gates. Survivors of alleged abuse by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell have detailed their experiences in the trafficking operation during the investigation. Black, who co-founded Apollo Global Management, stepped down from his leadership role in 2021 following revelations about his relationship with Epstein.

Financial records reveal a discrepancy in the reported value of payments between the two men. Lawmakers alleged that Black paid Epstein $180 million over their yearslong association. However, a review commissioned by Apollo in 2021 found that Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017. That review described the transfers as compensation for legitimate services, including tax advice and estate planning, which occurred after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The lawsuit marks the latest legal maneuver in a dispute that has drawn national attention for months. Black’s team continues to push back against the congressional inquiry while seeking monetary relief for the damage they say Garcia’s specific statements caused to his standing.