Named in Sworn Proceedings
Named in Legal Proceedings
Leon Black
Private equity billionaire / Apollo Global Management founder · American · Resigned Apollo GMD 2021 / Seeking reputational rehabilitation
Leon David Black (born July 31, 1951) is an American billionaire private equity investor and one of the founders of Apollo Global Management, one of the largest alternative investment firms in the world. He served as Apollo's CEO for decades, overseeing its growth into a multi-hundred-billion-dollar asset manager. He resigned as CEO and chairman in March 2021, having served in the role since the firm's founding.
Black's connection to Epstein was financial and extensive. He paid Epstein more than $150 million between 2012 and 2017 for advice described as "tax and estate planning," "family office services," and other consulting work. The scale of the payments -- $150 million from a single ultra-wealthy client -- is extraordinarily unusual even for high-end financial advisory work. An independent review commissioned by Apollo's board found that Black had received legitimate advice from Epstein but that the relationship was poorly disclosed to the Apollo board and represented a reputational risk that Black had not adequately managed.
Black resigned from Apollo shortly after the $150 million figure became public, though he maintained this was unrelated to the Epstein revelations and was planned in advance. He retained a significant economic interest in Apollo and remained a billionaire many times over.
As of 2025, Black was reportedly in talks to anchor a bid to acquire The Daily Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. Critics argued the move represented an attempt at reputational rehabilitation through media ownership at a time of renewed public interest in the Epstein network. No criminal charges have been brought against Black.
Black's connection to Epstein was financial and extensive. He paid Epstein more than $150 million between 2012 and 2017 for advice described as "tax and estate planning," "family office services," and other consulting work. The scale of the payments -- $150 million from a single ultra-wealthy client -- is extraordinarily unusual even for high-end financial advisory work. An independent review commissioned by Apollo's board found that Black had received legitimate advice from Epstein but that the relationship was poorly disclosed to the Apollo board and represented a reputational risk that Black had not adequately managed.
Black resigned from Apollo shortly after the $150 million figure became public, though he maintained this was unrelated to the Epstein revelations and was planned in advance. He retained a significant economic interest in Apollo and remained a billionaire many times over.
As of 2025, Black was reportedly in talks to anchor a bid to acquire The Daily Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. Critics argued the move represented an attempt at reputational rehabilitation through media ownership at a time of renewed public interest in the Epstein network. No criminal charges have been brought against Black.
▶ What the Evidence Shows -- Tier 2: Named in Sworn Proceedings
Paid Epstein $150M+ between 2012-2017 for advisory work. Independent Apollo board review confirmed payments and found reputational risk. Resigned as Apollo CEO/chairman March 2021.
Named in sworn deposition testimony, civil court filings, or victim statements entered into legal evidence.
▷ Public Denials & Counter-Statements
Maintains payments were for legitimate financial and tax advisory services. Independent review found no evidence of Black participating in Epstein's criminal activities.