Leon Black sues Rep. Robert Garcia over Epstein-related remarks

Leon Black has sued California Congressman Robert Garcia for defamation, alleging that Garcia made false statements about Black’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein’s crimes. The reports describe differing amounts of damages sought, while Garcia’s office had not immediately commented.

• Black filed the lawsuit against Garcia in federal court in New York, alleging that remarks linking him to Epstein’s crimes were defamatory. (9abccf80-d3da-442a-b453-da9a3d10f8bd; 0322645b-ae8e-4297-8d68-2c9e32fe85cf)· 2 sources
• The reports give different figures for the damages Black is seeking: Hindustan Times reports $7.5 million, while the New York Post reports $7.25 million. (0322645b-ae8e-4297-8d68-2c9e32fe85cf; f2a20576-f667-48bc-9041-fdd2fb746b6b)· 2 sources
• Black has denied involvement in Epstein’s criminal conduct. Garcia’s office had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. (9abccf80-d3da-442a-b453-da9a3d10f8bd; 0322645b-ae8e-4297-8d68-2c9e32fe85cf)· 2 sources
• The House voted in September to hold Black in contempt after he did not comply with committee subpoenas seeking further testimony and documents. (9abccf80-d3da-442a-b453-da9a3d10f8bd; 0322645b-ae8e-4297-8d68-2c9e32fe85cf)· 2 sources
• Black previously sued the House committee over its subpoenas; that case was still being litigated, according to NBC News. (9abccf80-d3da-442a-b453-da9a3d10f8bd)· 1 source