Leon Black Claims Defamation From Rep. Garcia Over Epstein Comments

Leon Black has formally accused California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of defamation, seeking $7.25 million in damages over specific statements the congressman made regarding Jeffrey Epstein. The federal complaint was filed on Wednesday in the Southern District of New York, requesting a jury trial to resolve the dispute.

The legal action centers on remarks Garcia made in a television interview several weeks after Black testified before the House Oversight Committee in June. During that June interview, Black denied any knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Garcia later stated that Black was "at the center of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes" and identified him as one of the final individuals to see Epstein before the financier died in prison.

Garcia further claimed that survivors had credibly identified Black as a direct abuser of women and someone directly involved with Epstein. Black’s attorneys argue these assertions were false and malicious. The filing asserts that the comments have jeopardized Black’s physical safety and resulted in a surge of hostile phone calls, emails, and social media messages. The lawyers also claim the remarks have harmed Black’s business interests and philanthropic efforts. Garcia’s office did not immediately return requests for comment.

This litigation follows a House vote less than two months prior, where members approved a resolution holding Black in contempt of Congress. That measure addressed his refusal to comply with Oversight Committee subpoenas for his appearance and for potential nondisclosure agreements related to the Epstein investigation. In September, Garcia labeled the contempt resolution "an important step toward justice and accountability."

Black’s legal team has consistently challenged the committee’s authority, characterizing its pursuit of the former private equity executive as an overreach. His lawyers maintain he knew nothing of Epstein’s criminal conduct. The committee’s ongoing inquiry has targeted several high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates. Survivors of Epstein’s alleged abuse have detailed their experiences as young women in a trafficking operation run by Epstein and his colleague Ghislaine Maxwell.

Black co-founded Apollo Global Management and stepped down from his leadership position in 2021 following the fallout from his relationship with Epstein. Lawmakers have alleged he transferred $180 million to Epstein over their long association. A 2021 review commissioned by Apollo identified the total payment as $158 million, covering the period from 2012 to 2017. Those payments occurred after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The review described the funds as compensation for legitimate tax advice and estate planning services.