Billionaire investor Leon Black has sued U.S. Representative Robert Garcia for defamation over comments about Black’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein, according to court documents cited by TMZ. Black alleges Garcia falsely told the public that he was involved in Epstein’s crimes and knew the statements were untrue.
Black’s filing says he told a hearing on June 26, attended by Garcia and other representatives, that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and took no part in them. Black alleges Garcia later said on national television that he was “at the center” of Epstein’s crimes. He also cites a later comment in which Garcia said Black was among the last people to interact with Epstein before Epstein died by suicide.
Garcia has said he spoke with survivors who credibly identified Black as involved in the direct abuse of women and in Epstein’s alleged sex-trafficking operation. Black disputes those claims and says Garcia knew they were false. He also alleges the comments led to threats and made him fear for his safety.
Black says Epstein deceived him and other people, and that he ended his ties with Epstein in October 2018. He is seeking a combined $7.25 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
In September, Garcia called for Black to be held in contempt after he did not appear for a deposition before the House Oversight Committee despite being subpoenaed. Garcia alleged Black funded Epstein’s trafficking and abuse and had been accused of sexual assault by multiple women.
Sources: TMZ.