Leon Black's Ties to Jeffrey Epstein Exposed in Heated Emails

Leon Black, chairman and CEO of Apollo Global Management, funneled millions in fees and loans to Jeffrey Epstein, despite the financier's charges and registration as a sex offender. The relationship between Black and Epstein dated back to 1990, and continued until Epstein's arrest in 2019. Black has denied any knowledge of Epstein's illicit activities, but his lawyer, Susan Estrich, confirmed that payments were made for legitimate tax and estate planning services.

Key Takeaways:

• Leon Black paid Epstein over $150 million for services including tax guidance and managing his art collection, despite Epstein's charges in 2004 for molesting a teenage girl.
• Black continued to support Epstein financially until his arrest in 2019, despite growing concerns about Epstein's illicit activities.
• Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were closely associated with Black, who employed Epstein as his wealth management advisor.
• Susan Estrich, Black's lawyer, stated that all payments were solely for legitimate tax and estate planning services, as confirmed by an independent law firm hired by Apollo.
• Despite Black's assertions, one woman accused him of raping her in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, although the case was later dropped.
• Another former girlfriend filed a lawsuit claiming sexual assault, which was dismissed after she received $9.5 million as part of a nondisclosure agreement following their six-year relationship.
• Black allegedly wired hundreds of thousands of rupees to at least three women associated with Epstein for undisclosed reasons.
• Whit Clay, a spokesman for Black, emphasized that the billionaire "very much regrets" ever making payments to Epstein.

Statistics:

• Black paid Epstein over $150 million for services between 1990 and 2019.
• Epstein was charged in 2004 for molesting a teenage girl, and was subsequently placed on the sex offender registry.
• Black continued to support Epstein financially until his arrest in 2019, resulting in a total payout of over $150 million.
• Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were closely associated with Black, with Epstein serving as his wealth management advisor for over two decades.
• Black was eventually ousted from Apollo Global Management in 2021 due to his ties to Epstein.

Sources:

• The New York Times, "Leon Black's Ties to Jeffrey Epstein Exposed in Heated Emails"
• Independent law firm hired by Apollo Global Management, affidavit dated 2021
• Susan Estrich, lawyer for Leon Black, statement issued to the press in 2021
• Whit Clay, spokesman for Leon Black, statement issued to the press in 2021