Leon Black Sues Oversight Leader
The billionaire alleges Rep. Robert Garcia lied about his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case during recent congressional hearings.
By Leah Thompson ·
Leon Black, a former Wall Street private equity investor, filed a defamation lawsuit on Wednesday against Rep. Robert Garcia. The California Democrat currently serves as the top member of the House Oversight Committee, which has led the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Black filed the suit in the Southern District of New York. The legal documents accuse Garcia of knowingly and willfully lying about Black’s role in Epstein’s operations. Specifically, the complaint points to Garcia’s assertion that Black was at the center of and directly involved in Epstein’s crimes.
Garcia’s comments came amid ongoing tensions between Black and the committee. In September, the Republican-led panel voted unanimously to hold Black in contempt. The committee cited his refusal to comply with subpoenas seeking documents and testimony related to his business relationship with Epstein.
Black stepped down from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after an independent review examined his ties to Epstein. That internal review found no evidence that Black was involved in Epstein’s criminal activities. Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the late financier.
The dispute has escalated through multiple legal channels. Black previously sued the committee to block subpoenas for his deposition and nondisclosure agreements. He also sat for a voluntary closed-door interview with lawmakers over the summer but left before the session concluded. The committee subsequently issued subpoenas to compel his full cooperation.
A spokesperson for Black issued a statement regarding the new lawsuit. The representative said Black has never abused a woman, never been with an underage woman, and never been involved with sex trafficking. The spokesperson added that Black never paid Epstein for women.
Garcia is set to become the chair of the Oversight Committee when Democrats take control of the House in January. The Justice Department stated on Sept. 16 that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia would carefully review the contempt referral. No charges have been filed against Black to date.
