A woman is suing a billionaire investor accusing him of rape when she was 16-years-old. She alleges it happened at Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse.

Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, has denied multiple allegations of rape in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking ring. 

The lawsuit describes in distressing detail the accuser’s account of the sexual assault that “left her bleeding and sobbing.”

Wigdor LLP is representing the woman who is identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe. Her attorneys claim she has autism and a rare form of Down syndrome that has left her “developmentally… about 12 years old.”

In response, Black's attorney, Susan Estrich, said her client has never even met the woman and called the lawsuit “frivolous” and full of “vicious and defamatory lies.”

 Estrich also points out says the suit was “manufactured by the Wigdor law firm.” They had previously filed another sexual assault complaint against Black that was eventually thrown out.

Black's spokesperson, Whit Clay, supports the denial, stating that the law firm "has an agenda" and has already lost credibility due to the prior failed case.

Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Black’s scandalous association with Jeffrey Epstein adds weight to the allegations against Leon Black. 

It was revealed that Black regularly dined with Epstein and availed his consulting services, even after the notorious financier faced sex-trafficking charges. 

However, an internal Apollo investigation cleared Black of any wrongdoing regarding his $158 million payment to Epstein.

Aftermath of Epstein

In the aftermath of Epstein's death by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial, several prominent figures, including financiers from Wall Street, have faced scrutiny due to their ties to Epstein. 

Leon Black expressed deep regret for his association with Epstein, which he claims revolved around professional matters, such as estate planning, tax, and philanthropic endeavors. Black continues to deny any involvement in the alleged sexual assault.

The Senate Finance Committee recently launched an investigation into a $158 million payment Black made to Epstein. There are suspicions that this transaction might have been an attempt to evade paying over $1 billion in federal gift and estate taxes. 

Black's legal team firmly maintains the legality of the transactions and asserts that all taxes owed to the government have been fully paid.

Encounter in Epstein’s Manhattan Townhouse

The lawsuit reveals details of how Jane Doe was allegedly "shipped off" to New York City in 2002. She was a minor when she claims to have traveled to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse to meet Black. 

It is alleged that from start-to-finish the encounter was arranged by Epstein's sex-trafficking ring.

Black was introduced to Jane Doe as Epstein's "special friend." She claims Epstein instructed her to provide Black with a massage similar to the ones she had given him in the past. 

This meant the massage would involve sexual intercourse, and she was expected to strip naked. The lawsuit describes the painful ordeal of being pinned down and assaulted, while Black hurled demeaning and shameful insults at her.

The plaintiff's lawyers are seeking unspecified damages to be determined during the trial. The plaintiff, now in her 30s, says the rape has haunted her for years.