Apollo Global Management Founder and Former CEO Leon Black Provided New York State Supreme Court with Response to Citizen's Charges Russian and ex-model Guzel Ganieva of rape. The businessman called all of his former lover's statements a lie and also noted that over the years of his relationship he had given Ganieva gifts worth several million US dollars.
Léon Noir. Photo: www.globallookpress.com
& nbsp; What's the story with the accusations?
On June 1, 2021, Guzel Ganieva sued Leon Black, accusing her of libel and claiming that he harassed and sexually assaulted her. The ex-model also said the businessman abused and humiliated her.
The filing of the complaint was preceded by messages on Twitter from Ganieva, which were published in March. In them, she said that Black 'sexually harassed and raped' ' her for “ many years. & # 39; & # 39;
& nbsp; How did Leon Black comment on the lawsuit against him?
In his response, Leon Black confirmed the fact of having sex with Guzel Ganieva. According to him, the acquaintance of the Russian emigrant took place at a party hosted by a former colleague of the businessman. After several dates in restaurants, Ganieva and the married black man entered into a long-term sex relationship by mutual agreement.
For five years, the billionaire gave his mistress expensive gifts, rented her an apartment in a prestigious New York neighborhood, paid for her trips, bought a luxury car, paid for her education at drama school and college. 39; Columbia University. Ganieva also borrowed large sums from Black. For several years, she regularly confessed her love to the businessman via SMS and was an active initiator of their dating. However, in June 2015, Ganieva called Black to an urgent meeting, during which she announced that she would disclose their relationship if he did not pay her a large sum of money. To shut up, the Russian woman asked for $ 100 million.
In October 2015, the former lovers signed an agreement, whereby Ganieva agrees not to disclose information about their relationship. In return, Black forgave his loans worth $ 1 million, paid back $ 100,000, and pledged to transfer an additional $ 100,000 to him each month for 15 years. The businessman also provided the Russian woman with $ 2million for her to legalize her UK residence.
& nbsp; What do we know about Leon Black?
Leon Black was the CEO of US investment firm Apollo Global Management. In March 2021, he left that post after learning about his connections to financier Jeffrey Epstein, accused of organizing prostitution and sex with minors. An independent investigation further revealed that Black was not involved in the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein.