Full Breakdown
Tai Shani Withdraws from Phaidon Book Deal Amid Leon Black's Epstein Ties
2/20/2026, 2:00:58 AM
Core Event: Artist's Withdrawal from Phaidon
British artist Tai Shani has withdrawn her forthcoming monograph from Phaidon, a prominent art book publisher owned by Leon Black, due to Black's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Shani's decision follows the release of disturbing allegations against Black detailed in recently unsealed files from the U.S. Justice Department.
Background & Context: Leon Black's Controversial Ties
Leon Black, former chairman of the Museum of Modern Art and co-founder of Apollo Global Management, has faced scrutiny since 2019 when it was revealed he paid Epstein approximately $158 million for financial advice after Epstein's initial conviction for sex trafficking minors. Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming ignorance of Epstein's criminal activities. However, the latest documents reveal extensive references to Phaidon in Epstein's files, indicating Black's significant financial control over the publisher through a complex network of holding companies.
Official Statements & Responses
In her Instagram announcement, Shani emphasized the moral imperative behind her withdrawal, stating, “I have decided to withdraw my monograph from publication with Phaidon. The recently unsealed Epstein files contain numerous horrific allegations against Leon Black.” She characterized her action as a feminist practice, asserting it was essential to distance her work from a context that perpetuates violence and misogyny. Phaidon has not publicly responded to Shani's withdrawal.
Criticism & Opposition: Voices Against Black
Critics have intensified their calls for accountability regarding Black's ties to Epstein. The activist group Guerrilla Girls previously canceled a planned publication with Phaidon in 2021, citing Black's connections to Epstein. They have renewed their demands for Black's removal from MoMA's board, stating, “It’s time for @themuseumofmodernart to DO THE RIGHT THING and kick Leon Black off its Board!”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Allegations Against Black
Black faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including a pending lawsuit from a woman identified as Jane Doe, who claims he sexually abused her when she was 16. Black's attorney has labeled these allegations as false, describing Jane Doe as a "fraud." Other lawsuits have been withdrawn or dismissed, adding complexity to the narrative surrounding Black's legal challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Behind these allegations, whose specifics many of us have read with horror, behind the geopolitical implications, the many unsurprising ties to the art world, behind the gossip, behind the observations about global networks of power, behind the spectacle of violence are human beings, victims: young women, children, often from precarious backgrounds, real lives exploited and destroyed,” — Tai Shani, Artist
- “there is absolutely no truth to any of the allegations against Mr. Black.” — Susan Estrich, Black’s Attorney
- “It’s time for @themuseumofmodernart to DO THE RIGHT THING and kick Leon Black off its Board!” — Guerrilla Girls, Activist Group
What's Next: Ongoing Investigations
The fallout from these revelations continues to unfold, with ongoing scrutiny of Black's financial dealings and the broader implications for institutions like MoMA. As investigations into Epstein's network persist, the art world remains on alert regarding the ethical ramifications of associations with individuals linked to such serious allegations.
