- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Private equity billionaire Jeffrey Leeds has accused his much younger wife, Elizabeth Leeds, of secretly draining his fortune to fund a long-term affair, turning their divorce into one of the most explosive and closely watched marital battles in recent months. Court filings indicate that assets worth nearly USD 100 million are at stake in the bitter split.
Leeds, 69, the founder of Leeds Equity Partners, has alleged that Elizabeth, 43, carried on a “torrid” affair with Miami-based businessman Alberto Alejandro Tawil, 66, throughout much of their 14-year marriage. In filings submitted to a Palm Beach County court, Leeds claims the relationship resulted in a pregnancy and involved extensive misuse of marital funds.
In a series of emails and text messages included in the divorce documents, Leeds used unusually blunt language, referring to Tawil as an “idiot loser” and a “grifter.” In one February 2025 email, he accused Elizabeth of sneaking out to meet Tawil while he was away. Another text message from Leeds criticised her parenting, stating: “Just leave us alone and come visit every now and then. You’re a part-time mother anyway,” referring to their two children.
Claims Of Reckless Spending
According to the filings, Leeds alleges that his wife invested more than $275,000 of marital funds into Tawil’s business ventures in Mozambique. He further claims she paid the salaries of 21 members of Tawil’s household staff and purchased what court documents describe as “erotic gifts,” all without his knowledge or consent.
Leeds argues that these expenditures represent a pattern of reckless financial behaviour and constitute a significant breach of marital trust. Elizabeth Leeds has not publicly responded to the allegations.
High-Value Properties At Stake
The divorce involves a vast real estate portfolio reportedly valued at around USD 100 million. Properties cited in court records include a USD 22 million, 14-room apartment at 740 Park Avenue in Manhattan, a USD 23.5 million estate in Southampton featuring 11 bedrooms and 12.5 bathrooms, and a USD 35.6 million mansion in Palm Beach.
The case has drawn additional attention due to Leeds’ past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Leeds’ name appears multiple times in recently unsealed Justice Department Epstein-related documents. He was also quoted in a 2002 New York Magazine profile praising Epstein as a “talented money manager,” remarks that have resurfaced amid the divorce proceedings.