Leon Black

American billionaire (born 1951), co-founder of Apollo Global Management, one of the world's largest private equity firms. Paid Epstein at least $158 million for financial advisory services between 2012-2017 — well after Epstein's 2008 conviction. An independent review found the payments were for legitimate tax and estate planning advice but noted "poor judgment." Black stepped down as Apollo CEO in March 2021 amid scrutiny, though remained chairman. A woman later sued Black alleging Epstein trafficked her to him; Black denied the allegations. The scale of payments to a convicted sex offender raised questions about Epstein's post-conviction rehabilitation in elite circles.