Billionaire Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, is expected to testify Friday before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers investigate the federal government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The testimony comes as documents reveal the phrase “Please call Leon Black” appears more than 300 times in Department of Justice investigative files related to Epstein.
Black’s scheduled appearance in Washington, D.C. marks a significant moment in ongoing congressional efforts to understand the full scope of Epstein’s network and how federal authorities managed investigations into the convicted sex offender. The billionaire’s phone number appears more than 200 times across 3.5 million public files connected to the case.
Decades-Long Business Relationship Under Scrutiny
The business relationship between Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein stretched back decades, with the two men introduced by a mutual friend in the 1990s. Epstein served as director of Black’s family foundation during their association.
Black was forced out of Apollo Global Management in 2021 following revelations that he paid Epstein hundreds of millions of dollars for financial advice between 2012 and 2017. According to allegations, Black transferred approximately $170 million to Epstein for what was described as tax and estate planning services.
A 2014 email from Epstein to Black, included in the documented evidence, stated: “Leon, as you are well aware, there is little I won’t do for you or at least try to do as a friend. And a great deal that I have already done (both known and some things that will need to remain unknown.)”
Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. His attorney, Susan Estrich, has represented him throughout the various proceedings related to these matters.
What We Know So Far
An independent investigation into the Black-Epstein relationship reviewed more than 60,000 documents and interviewed more than 20 people. According to the findings, the investigation concluded that Epstein’s work had been vetted and approved by best-in-class law and accounting firms. It also found that Black had no awareness of the criminal activities that led to Epstein’s arrest in 2019.
Black himself has acknowledged regret about the association. He stated: “With the benefit of hindsight, working with him was a horrible mistake on my part.”
In 2023, Black paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to settle potential claims related to an Epstein sex trafficking investigation. The settlement did not include an admission of wrongdoing.
Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, has alleged that Black may have funneled hush money payments to women through Epstein. Wyden has stated: “Your relationship and business dealings with Jeffrey Epstein should be properly investigated by the federal government.”
Previous Congressional Testimony
Black’s appearance follows other high-profile witnesses who have testified before lawmakers regarding Epstein. Former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have both provided testimony as part of the ongoing investigation.
On June 9, Lesley Groff, Epstein’s former assistant, was questioned by lawmakers. Groff commented on her understanding of the Black-Epstein relationship, saying: “I thought they had a business relationship. I thought he was one of Epstein’s clients.”
President Donald Trump has opposed the release of certain files related to the investigation.
Background on Jeffrey Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl in Florida in 2008. He died by suicide in his cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, was convicted in 2021 of federal sex trafficking charges related to her role in procuring victims for Epstein.
Bank of America agreed to pay $72.5 million in March in connection with the Epstein matter. The bank did not admit wrongdoing as part of that settlement. Doug Wigdor, founder of Wigdor LLP, filed a separate claim in March related to the case.
Ongoing Legal Matters
One lawsuit against Black from 2023 remains open. The case involves accusations related to alleged teenage abuse. In April, a federal judge sanctioned the accuser in the ongoing case, indicating evidentiary issues with certain claims.
It is important to note that Black has not been charged with or convicted of any crimes related to Epstein’s activities. He continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
What Happens Next
Black’s Friday testimony before the House Oversight Committee will provide lawmakers the opportunity to question him directly about his documented connections to Epstein. The more than 300 references to contacting Black found in DOJ files are expected to be a focus of the questioning.
The congressional investigation continues to examine how federal authorities handled the Epstein case and what connections existed between Epstein and prominent figures in business, politics, and society.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Leon Black testify before Congress?
Leon Black is scheduled to testify on Friday before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C.
How much did Leon Black pay Jeffrey Epstein?
Black paid Epstein hundreds of millions of dollars for financial advice between 2012 and 2017. Allegations indicate approximately $170 million was transferred for tax and estate planning services.
Has Leon Black been charged with any crimes?
No, Leon Black has not been charged with or convicted of any crimes related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
What happened to Black at Apollo Global Management?
Black was forced out of Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations about his financial relationship with Epstein became public.
How many times does Leon Black appear in the Epstein files?
The phrase “Please call Leon Black” appears more than 300 times in DOJ investigative files. His phone number appears more than 200 times across 3.5 million public files related to the case.
The House Oversight Committee hearing represents the latest development in ongoing efforts to understand the full extent of Jeffrey Epstein’s network and the federal response to his criminal activities. Black’s testimony Friday will be closely watched as lawmakers continue their investigation into the matter.
