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Leon Black
Former Chairman; Apollo Global Management; Epstein Associate
Billionaire private equity titan who paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million in fees; stepped down as Apollo chairman after relationship revealed
Overview
Leon David Black co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990; building it into one of the world's largest private equity firms with over $500 billion in assets under management. In 2021; an investigation by the law firm Dechert LLP (commissioned by Apollo's board) revealed that Black had paid Jeffrey Epstein approximately $158 million in advisory and consulting fees between 2012 and 2017; a period when Epstein was a registered sex offender. The payments far exceeded what had been previously disclosed. Black stepped down as Apollo's chairman in March 2021 following the revelations; though the Dechert investigation concluded it found no evidence Black participated in Epstein's criminal activity. However; a former Russian model; Guzel Ganieva; filed a lawsuit alleging Black had raped and harassed her over a period of years; and that Epstein had been involved in facilitating the relationship. Black denied the allegations. The scale of payments to Epstein; who had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008; raised profound questions about what services Epstein was allegedly providing to warrant $158 million in fees; particularly given that Epstein was not a licensed attorney; accountant; or financial advisor.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Paid Jeffrey Epstein approximately $158 million in advisory fees between 2012-2017; during a period when Epstein was a registered sex offender
Stepped down as Apollo chairman in March 2021 after the scope of Epstein payments was revealed by Dechert investigation
Accused by former model Guzel Ganieva of rape; sexual harassment; and defamation in lawsuit filed in 2021
The nature of services Epstein allegedly provided Black to warrant $158 million has never been adequately explained; Epstein held no professional licenses
Visited Epstein's private island and Manhattan townhouse; documents showed extensive personal relationship
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Jeffrey Epstein
Paid Epstein $158 million in fees between 2012-2017 while Epstein was a registered sex offender
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- July 31, 1951
- Birthplace
- New York City, USA
Education
- •Dartmouth College; B.A. 1973
- •Harvard Business School; M.B.A. 1975
Key Timeline
July 31, 1951
Born in New York City
1990
Co-founded Apollo Global Management
2012-2017
Paid Jeffrey Epstein approximately $158 million in advisory fees while Epstein was a registered sex offender
January 2021
New York Times reports on extent of Black-Epstein financial relationship
March 2021
Steps down as Apollo chairman after Dechert investigation reveals full scope of Epstein payments
June 2021
Guzel Ganieva files lawsuit alleging rape; harassment; and Epstein's involvement in facilitating the relationship