Leon Black sues Rep. Garcia for $7.25M, calls Epstein claims 'knowing lies'

Billionaire Leon Black filed a federal defamation suit Wednesday against Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia of California, seeking $7.25 million over televised remarks linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.

Garcia had said Black was “at the center” of Epstein’s crimes and that survivors credibly named him as directly involved in abuse. Black’s lawyers call the statements malicious lies that triggered threats against him and damaged his business and charitable work.

The Apollo Global Management co-founder, held in contempt of Congress in September for defying Oversight Committee subpoenas, has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s trafficking network. Garcia’s office did not immediately respond.