WASHINGTON — The name “Leon Black” surfaces over 300 times in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein investigative files from the Justice Department. Some of these mentions come from emails sent by Epstein’s personal assistant. Black, a billionaire with a long-standing career in Wall Street, engaged in a business partnership stretching over several decades with Epstein.
In an email to Black in 2014, Epstein stated, “Leon, as you are well aware, there is little I won’t do for you or at least try to do as a friend. And a great deal that I have already done (both known and some things that will need to remain unknown.)”
The House Oversight Committee will question Black about his relationship with Epstein as part of their investigation into the federal government’s management of the Epstein case. Lawmakers aim to unravel the financial complexities that funded Epstein’s sex trafficking operations, suspecting Black might have a role. Similar to other influential figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Bill Gates, Black will discuss his connections to Epstein with Congress.
Susan Estrich, Black’s attorney, shared with NBC News that Black had called for an independent investigation into his ties with Epstein. A former federal prosecutor reviewed over 60,000 documents and interviewed more than 20 individuals, including Black. This examination, conducted for Apollo Global Management, concluded that Black primarily paid Epstein for tax and real estate planning advice.
“The investigation further found that Epstein’s work had been vetted and approved by best-in-class law and accounting firms,” Estrich stated. “It also found that he had no awareness of the criminal activities that led to Epstein’s arrest in 2019.”
Black has denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He expressed regret over his association with Epstein, describing it as a “horrible mistake” in hindsight. Black stepped down from Apollo in 2021 after revelations about his payments to Epstein from 2012 to 2017, despite knowing Epstein’s past guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl in 2008.
The release of millions of Epstein-related files raises more questions about Black’s financial interactions with Epstein, who died by suicide in his cell in 2019 pending a criminal trial in New York. Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted of federal sex trafficking charges in 2021. The files have also spurred international investigations into Epstein’s connections, although in the U.S., only New Mexico has initiated a probe around his Zorro Ranch dealings.
The political consequences have been considerable. Republicans supporting the files’ release faced challenges from President Donald Trump, who opposed making them public. Congress mandated the release through new legislation.
Black and Epstein connected via a mutual acquaintance in the 1990s. Epstein served as the director of Black’s family foundation and later as his financial advisor, earning millions over time. Black’s name appears over 200 times among the 3.5 million public files, with over 100 references to “Leon Black returned your call,” often noted by Epstein’s former assistant, Lesley Groff. Under lawmaker questioning, Groff identified Black as a frequent Epstein client and visitor.
Black’s financial dealings with Epstein had alleged problematic aspects. In 2023, Black agreed to a $62.5 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid actions from a three-year investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking. Black was involved in a lawsuit against Bank of America by Epstein abuse survivors, claiming the bank ignored suspect transfers Black made to Epstein, allegedly funding trafficking activities. Black disputed these claims.
Bank of America settled for $72.5 million without admitting liability; Black never testified. Senator Ron Wyden from the Senate Finance Committee has accused Black of possibly channeling hush money through Epstein. Wyden referenced an email advising Epstein on handling a blackmail scenario involving a woman on Black’s payroll.
Black himself faces various allegations, including sexual assault, all of which he denies. A woman accused Black of rape at Epstein’s townhouse in 2002, but later dropped the suit. Another lawsuit involved a former model who claimed harassment, leading to counter-litigation by Black, resulting in the case’s dismissal. A current ongoing case sees Black accused of sexual abuse against a teenager.
A federal judge sanctioned the accuser and her former attorney for evidence issues but allowed the case to continue. Black’s attorney criticized the lawsuit’s grounds, asserting the claims were false. Firm Wigdor LLP, representing the accuser, refuted these allegations, with founder Doug Wigdor voicing disappointment over sanctions but supporting court proceedings for the accuser.