(Zero Hedge)—Billionaire Leon Black filed a federal defamation suit Wednesday against Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, accusing him of lying about Black’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, seeks $7.25 million in compensatory and punitive damages and a jury trial, and alleges Garcia “has knowingly and willfully lied about Leon Black and defamed him,” NBC News reported.
Black undoubtedly had this ready to go after midterms – as following Tuesday’s blue tsunami, Democrats will take control of the House in January, and Garcia is expected to become Oversight chairman. This would put him in charge of the committee that has already subpoenaed Black and voted to hold him in contempt.
According to the suit, Garcia said in a television interview weeks after Black’s June voluntary interview with the committee that Black “is at the center of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes” and was “one of the last people to actually interact” with Epstein before his death in prison. The complaint also cites Garcia saying he had spoken with survivors who named Black as involved in direct abuse of women. Black’s lawyers say the statements were false and malicious, and that they caused “real and significant ongoing harm”: threats to his physical safety, a stream of hateful calls, emails and posts, and damage to his business and philanthropic work.
A Black spokesperson said he has never abused a woman, has never been with an underage woman, has never been involved in sex trafficking and never paid Epstein for women.
The suit is the second Black has filed over the Epstein case. In early September he defied the committee’s subpoena and sued the panel and its Republican chairman, Rep. James Comer, calling the probe a “public fishing expedition.” Garcia answered that day that Black had “funded Epstein’s abuse and trafficking of women” and that “multiple women have also accused Black of sexual assault.” Black had left his June interview before it finished, then skipped a later deposition. The committee voted unanimously in September to hold him in contempt, and the full House followed. The Justice Department said on Sept. 16 that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia “will review the referral of Mr. Black carefully.” No charges have been filed against Black.
The money is the center of the dispute. Lawmakers allege Black paid Epstein $180 million. An Apollo-commissioned review in 2021 found $158 million in payments from 2012 to 2017, which it said were for tax, estate planning and related services. Black, who co-founded Apollo Global Management, stepped down as its CEO in 2021 after that review; it found he was not involved in Epstein’s criminal activities, and he has denied wrongdoing.
Black has been on the defensive in court for years. A New York appeals court ruled for him, 4-1, in a defamation case brought by a former model who accused him of rape, and he still faces a Manhattan lawsuit from a woman who says he raped her in Epstein’s mansion in 2002, when she was 16. Those are her allegations.
With the suit, the fight over Black and the Epstein files will go before a judge before Garcia ever gets the gavel.
We’re sure Garcia could have some fun with Les Wexner?
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
