US billionaire Leon Black defends US$158 million paid to Epstein
Billionaire investor Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Black stated he paid Epstein $158 million over several years, asserting he was deceived by the financier and committed no criminal wrongdoing.
The story so far
- Jun 26
How outlets cover it
3 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
The review stated the payments were for 'bona fide tax, estate planning and other related services.'
Leon Black stated Jeffrey Epstein deceived him over a years-long relationship where Black paid Epstein US$158 million.
Congressman James Comer described Black's deposition as potentially the most 'groundbreaking' yet.
Black claims he was unaware of Epstein's 'nefarious activity' until 2019 and paid him for legitimate purposes.
Lawmakers seek to untangle the web of wealth and influence around Jeffrey Epstein.
A review commissioned by Apollo found that Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017.
A report commissioned by Apollo stated Epstein provided financial services to Black between 2012 and 2017.
Black became Epstein's largest client after 2008, paying roughly $170m in fees, according to a Senate finance committee investigation.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Feb 2 – Feb 3 earlier
- Feb 9 – Feb 10 earlierGhislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions from US Congress4 articles · 4 outlets
- Feb 18 – Feb 19 earlierLes Wexner: How the billionaire enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s rise6 articles · 5 outlets
- Feb 26 – Mar 3 earlierHillary Clinton walks out of Epstein deposition after photo leak23 articles · 5 outlets
- Apr 8 – Apr 9 earlierDemocrats in US slam Pam Bondi for refusing to appear for Epstein hearing3 articles · 3 outlets
- Jun 10 earlierBill Gates says Epstein wanted personal relationship, but he 'never reciprocated'7 articles · 5 outlets
- Jun 26◆ This story
- Sep 2 – Sep 3 laterUS billionaire Leon Black defies summons and sues Epstein panel5 articles · 4 outlets
- Sep 15 – Sep 17 laterUS House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt over Epstein probe4 articles · 3 outlets