Law firm in sexual assault suit against – Business News
A distinguished law firm representing the lady who accused billionaire investor Leon Black of sexual assault has requested to withdraw from the case — simply days earlier than a key listening to into whether or not it needs to be sanctioned, in line with court docket information.
Wigdor LLC, which made the request Friday, took on the case of the alleged sufferer, recognized solely as “Jane Doe,” after she claimed Black pinned her down inside convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s Upper East Side townhouse in 2002 and abused her with intercourse toys.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court docket in New York in 2023, alleged that Jane Doe was autistic and solely 16 on the time after Epstein facilitated a “hand off” to Black, the previous CEO of Apollo Global Management.
Leon Black has sued Wigdor beforehand for malicious prosecution. REUTERS
Black’s legal group mentioned in August that they found the lady’s identification and that her household allegedly advised them she was mendacity, together with about being autistic.
New York federal Judge Jessica Clarke had given Wigdor till Friday to oppose a movement by Black’s legal professionals to basically dismiss the case, in line with a court docket submitting.
Black is also searching for sanctions against the legal employment firm.
Douglas Wigdor needs to drop “Jane Doe” who’s suing Leon Black for an alleged rape. Alec Tabak
A Wigdor spokeswoman advised The Post the firm is ready to file its opposition if it isn’t dropped from the suit.
Leon Black’s spokesman declined remark.
Wigdor had beforehand represented one other consumer that sued Black. Guzel Ganieva, who additionally alleged that Black sexually assaulted her, fired the firm after being counter-sued for defamation
Ganieva had acquired $9.5 million from Black beneath a nondisclosure settlement that adopted their six-year relationship, which ended in 2014.
“Jane Doe” alleged that Epstein when she was 16 handed her off to Leon Black. AP
Ganieva is pursuing a movement for reconsideration.
Black has sued Wigdor beforehand for malicious prosecution. Last month, an appeals reversed an initial resolution and ruled in favor for Wigdor and dismissal.
