Billionaire Leon Black sued Rep. Robert Garcia of California over Jeffrey Epstein statements
Billionaire and Apollo co-founder Leon Black sued Rep. Robert Garcia, the House Oversight Committee’s ranking Democrat, alleging defamation over comments about Black’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Black’s suit says Garcia falsely accused him of involvement in Epstein’s crimes; Black told the committee he had no knowledge of or took no part in them. TMZ reported Black seeks $7.25 million.
More context
Billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, sued Rep. Robert Garcia of California on Wednesday, alleging the congressman defamed him with statements about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Garcia is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein and subpoenaed Black. In a suit filed in the Southern District of New York, Black alleges Garcia “knowingly and willfully lied” and cites comments that Black was “at the center” and “directly involved” in Epstein’s crimes. Black told the committee in a voluntary interview in June that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and took no part in them, according to Bloomberg’s account of the suit. NBC News reported Garcia is poised to become the committee’s next chair. TMZ reported Black is seeking $7.25 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
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Reporting
- Bloomberg — Leon Black Sues Congressman Garcia Over Epstein Statements - Bloomberg
- NBC News — Leon Black sues Robert Garcia, alleging defamation over Epstein comments
- TMZ — Epstein Friend Leon Black Sues U.S. Representative Robert Garcia for Defamation
- Washington Examiner — Billionaire Leon Black hits Rep. Robert Garcia with defamation suit over Epstein remarks
Verifier’s note
TMZ, NBC News, Bloomberg, and the Washington Examiner each report that Leon Black sued Robert Garcia over Epstein-related comments. Their reports match the proposed event and its timing.