Leon Black Faces Allegations of Weaponising Lawsuits to Silence Accusers
In a Manhattan civil suit filed on Monday, the law firm Wigdor LLP has accused billionaire financier Leon Black of deploying "multiple frivolous and malicious lawsuits" as retaliation for representing women who have alleged sexual misconduct against him. Black, who co-founded and formerly chaired Apollo Global Management, is linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein, and the suit claims he attempted "to use his billions to buy his own form of justice" and "to weaponize the civil justice system to silence and destroy those who seek to hold him to account for alleged sexual assault". Black has emphatically denied all wrongdoing.
Legal Disputes and Dismissed Cases
Wigdor's suit highlights three specific lawsuits involving Black. One involved accuser Guzel Ganieva, who sued Black in June 2021, alleging he "violently sexually assaulted" her over years. In response, Black sued Ganieva and Wigdor in October 2021, claiming they "conspired to harm" him; this civil action was later dismissed. Ganieva's own suit against Black was also dismissed. Wigdor alleges that of the three lawsuits Black filed against the firm, two have been dismissed and one remains pending.
Lawyers for Black strongly disputed the claims. Susan Estrich, Black's attorney, stated, "This lawsuit is another bogus attempt by Wigdor to attack Mr Black under false pretenses." She noted that Black requested an independent investigation into his relationship with Epstein, which concluded he paid Epstein for estate planning and tax advice without awareness of criminal activities.
Epstein-Linked Emails Reveal Deportation Plot
The suit cites recently disclosed Epstein investigative files that show emails between Epstein and powerful Wall Street lawyer Brad Karp. In 2015, Epstein and Karp discussed plotting to arrange the deportation of Guzel Ganieva. Epstein wrote to Karp on 29 July 2015, asking, "Is it possible for your contacts to 1 get her current visa status? 2. Is there a way for us to file something that would revoke a tourist visa?" Karp responded hours later, "Both good ideas; will work on this."
Further emails from August 2015 indicate Epstein sought to have Ganieva arrested or deported, referencing an associate named "Leon". Karp suggested connections with "Lorin", believed to be Lorin Reisner, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor, could aid in this effort. Karp stepped down from his role at Paul Weiss earlier this year after these communications surfaced. Neither Karp, Reisner, nor Paul Weiss responded to requests for comment.
Anti-Slapp Law and Reputational Harm
Wigdor claims Black's lawsuits violate New York state's anti-Slapp (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, designed to protect against frivolous lawsuits. The complaint argues that Black's actions aimed to thwart accusers' rights to free speech and caused reputational harm to the firm. Raymond Audain, attorney for Wigdor, stated, "This case is about whether wealthy individuals can weaponize the justice system to silence not just their accusers, but also the attorneys who represent them."
Audain added, "While too many foundational American institutions have been coopted and corrupted by billionaires, our courts have, thankfully, remained guarantors of equal justice. Retaliating against lawyers for representing survivors subverts not just the principle of equality under the law, but also the American legal system."
Broader Context and Financial Settlements
Black's ties to Epstein have drawn renewed attention, with his name appearing in recently released Epstein files, including an FBI presentation listing "PROMINENT NAMES". However, it remains unclear if authorities verified allegations against him, and Black has not been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.
In January 2023, Black agreed to pay $62.5 million to the US Virgin Islands to be released from potential legal claims related to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation there. The Senate finance committee reported in March 2025 that documents indicated Black paid Epstein $170 million for tax and estate planning advice.
Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had a history of legal controversies, including a 2008 plea deal in Florida. The ongoing suit against Black underscores the complex legal battles surrounding Epstein's associates and their efforts to address allegations.
