Full Breakdown
Leon Black Testifies Before House Oversight Committee on $158 Million Payments to Jeffrey Epstein
6/27/2026, 12:23:14 PM
Deposition Overview
On June 26, 2026, Leon Black, co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, gave a private deposition before the House Oversight Committee, the 16th witness in its Epstein probe.
Background & Context
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor and faced a 2019 federal sex-trafficking indictment before dying by suicide. The House committee’s investigation targets the wealth network that facilitated his abuse.
Key Figures
Key participants include Leon Black; Rep. James Comer (R-KY), committee chair; Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR); attorney Susan Estrich; and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA).
Timeline
2008 – Epstein’s guilty plea; 2012-2017 – Black paid $158 million; 2021 – Black left Apollo; early 2024 – subpoenas on NDAs; June 26, 2026 – deposition; July 16, 2026 – oath testimony.
Data & Statistics
The Apollo review listed $158 million in payments for tax and estate services; a Senate report suggested $170 million; Black paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2023.
Why It Matters
The probe highlights how large private-equity firms and their leaders may facilitate illicit networks, raising questions about corporate governance, compliance, and the role of wealth in shielding criminal activity. It also underscores congressional oversight of financial ties to alleged sex-trafficking schemes.
Official Statements & Responses
Black said he only learned of Epstein’s alleged wrongdoing in 2019 and denied any sexual misconduct, asserting he had not abused any woman nor paid Epstein for access to women. He characterized the $158 million as payments for legitimate tax, estate-planning and related services, and said he regretted giving Epstein a second chance. Comer called the deposition “pretty significant” and suggested it could be “groundbreaking,” urging a thorough money-trail investigation. Wyden warned Epstein acted as a middleman for Black. Estrich dismissed the subpoenas as a “planned political stunt.” Garcia noted Black “wouldn’t answer” NDA questions, calling the refusal a barrier to justice.
Criticism & Opposition
Democrats contend Black’s NDA refusal blocks victim accountability; Wyden highlighted repeated refusals, prompting a subpoena. The stance reflects bipartisan concern over payment opacity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Apollo review cites $158 million, while a Senate Finance Committee analysis suggests $170 million. Details of any NDAs remain undisclosed, and no criminal charges have been filed against Black despite ongoing civil suits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I knew Jekyll. I didn't know Hyde,” — Leon Black, deposition
- “ "I have never abused a woman.” — Leon Black, opening statement
- “This could be a pretty significant deposition as we try to get answers,” — Rep. James Comer, committee chairman
- “Epstein even appears to have acted as a middleman for Black to pay women on Black's behalf.” — Sen. Ron Wyden, statement to the committee
What’s Next
The committee set July 16, 2026 for Black’s oath testimony and continues to demand NDA documents and a full accounting of the $158 million, indicating further investigation.
