Full Breakdown
Leon Black Sued Over Alleged 2002 Sexual Assault of Autistic Teen
5/26/2026, 6:01:51 AM
2002 Assault Lawsuit
On Tuesday, a complaint was filed in the Southern District of New York federal court accusing billionaire Leon Black of raping a 16-year-old girl with Down syndrome and autism in 2002. Jane Doe was preparing a massage when Black allegedly pinned her down and penetrated her with “adult toys.” It alleges Epstein found her crying, refused her request for a doctor, and said Ghislaine Maxwell would handle her care.
Background
Leon Black co-founded Apollo Global Management and had a relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. He has faced suits, including a 2022 case by Cheri Pierson alleging rape in Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and a 2023 suit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva that was dismissed. In 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell received a 20-year sentence for recruiting teenage girls for Epstein.
Timeline
Official Statements
Leon Black’s attorney Susan Estrich called the allegations “frivolous and sanctionable,” saying they are uncorroborated and violate statute of limitations. A Black spokesperson, speaking to Reuters, confirmed the $62.5 million settlement with U.S. Virgin Islands and said the agreement contains no suggestion that Black was aware of or participated in misconduct.
Opposition
The complaint alleges Black sexually assaulted Jane Doe, trafficked her to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and that Epstein refused medical assistance. It presents the allegations as part of a pattern of abuse linked to Epstein’s network.
Conflicting Reports
The suit relies on Jane Doe’s recollection of events from two decades earlier, raising evidentiary challenges and questions about statute of limitations. Black’s lawyers stress the lack of corroborating evidence; the plaintiff’s counsel says the alleged conduct warrants judicial review.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It says Epstein later found her crying but refused her request to see a doctor, saying Maxwell would take care of her, instead.” — Jane Doe v. Leon Black
- “These vicious and defamatory lies, masquerading as allegations, have been intentionally manufactured by the Wigdor law firm as part of the firm’s vendetta against Mr. Black for vigorously and successfully defending himself over the past two years,” — Susan Estrich
- “that Mr. Black was aware of or participated in any misconduct.” — Black spokesperson
Future
The case proceeds while Black pursues a sanctions motion against Wigdor LLP from the earlier Pierson lawsuit. Both parties will engage in discovery, and the court will rule on motions concerning the statute of limitations and evidence admissibility.
