Leon Black sues Garcia over Epstein remarks
The billionaire seeks $7.25 million in damages following a federal contempt resolution approved by the House.
By Carolina Wood ·
Leon Black filed a federal defamation lawsuit against California Representative Robert Garcia on Wednesday. The complaint was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Black seeks a jury trial and $7.25 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
The legal action follows the House vote less than two months ago. Lawmakers approved a resolution holding Black in contempt of Congress. The measure cited his refusal to comply with Oversight Committee subpoenas during its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Garcia made the contested remarks during a television interview in June. He stated that Black was at the center of Epstein’s crimes. Garcia also claimed Black was one of the last people to interact with Epstein before his death in prison. The representative further said he had spoken to survivors who named Black as involved in direct abuse of women.
Black’s lawyers argue those statements were false and made with malice. The filing notes that Black suffered real harm after the comments. It lists threats to his physical safety, a volume of hateful communication, and financial strain on his business and philanthropic work.
Black appeared voluntarily for a committee interview in June. During that session, he denied knowing about Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Prior to the interview, Black refused to turn over potential nondisclosure agreements or appear as requested by the committee. His legal team has described the Oversight Committee’s pursuit of the former Apollo Global Management head as an abuse of congressional power.
Garcia’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new suit. In September, the representative called the contempt resolution an important step toward justice and accountability.
A 2021 review commissioned by Apollo found that Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The review characterized the payments as fees for tax, estate planning, and other related services.
