Leon Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is facing allegations that he used frivolous lawsuits to retaliate against a law firm representing women who accused him of sexual misconduct. The suit, filed by Wigdor LLP in Manhattan civil court on Monday, claims Black deployed multiple legal actions to silence and destroy those seeking to hold him accountable.
Key Takeaways
A law firm has sued Leon Black for allegedly using frivolous lawsuits to retaliate against those representing women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Recently disclosed Epstein files suggest coordinated efforts to surveil and potentially deport an accuser.
- Law firm Wigdor LLP alleges Leon Black used the legal system to silence accusers.
- Disclosed emails show Epstein and Brad Karp discussing ways to surveil and possibly deport Guzel Ganieva, a Russian model who accused Black of sexual abuse.
- Black has denied all wrongdoing and claims Wigdor's lawsuit is an attempt to redeem itself after unsuccessful lawsuits against him.
Wigdor LLP alleges that Black tried "to use his billions to buy his own form of justice" and weaponize the civil justice system. The law firm represents Guzel Ganieva, a Russian model who accused Black of violently sexually assaulting her for years. One of the three lawsuits cited by Wigdor involved Ganieva, whose suit against Black was dismissed.
Recently disclosed Epstein investigative files appear to show Jeffrey Epstein plotting with Brad Karp, a powerful Wall Street lawyer, to try and arrange Ganieva's deportation. Emails from 2015 reveal discussions about coordinated surveillance on Ganieva and whether she could be jailed. In one email, Epstein asked if it was possible for Karp's contacts to revoke Ganieva's tourist visa.
Karp responded that "both good ideas; will work on this." The emails also indicated that the woman was bothering an Epstein associate named Leon. Epstein later inquired about having her arrested for extortion, high bail, or deportation.
Wigdor claims Black's lawsuits violate New York state's anti-Slapp (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, designed to protect individuals and organizations from frivolous lawsuits. The complaint states that of the three lawsuits Black filed against the firm, two were dismissed and one is still pending.
Black has denied all wrongdoing and claims Wigdor's lawsuit is an attempt to redeem itself after unsuccessful lawsuits against him. His attorney, Susan Estrich, called the suit "another bogus attempt by Wigdor to attack Mr Black under false pretenses."
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