Billionaire investor Leon Black is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Friday, as lawmakers continue their investigation into the financial and social networks of Jeffrey Epstein.
Black, the co-founder and former chief executive of Apollo Global Management, stepped down from his leadership roles in 2021 following scrutiny over his connection to Epstein. A review commissioned by Apollo found that Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017. These payments occurred after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a charge of soliciting a minor. The review stated the funds were for "bona fide tax, estate planning and other related services."
Black's name appears repeatedly in documents related to the Epstein investigation, including birthday messages released by the House committee. One poem attributed to him refers to "Blond, Red or Brunette, spread out geographically."
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has previously stated that Epstein's former accountant, Richard Kahn, testified that Epstein received substantial sums from prominent individuals, including Black. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., also referred findings from his investigation into Black to the committee, suggesting Epstein may have acted as an intermediary for Black to pay women.
Black is the latest high-profile figure to be questioned by the committee. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently testified, acknowledging a "grave error in judgment" in his meetings with Epstein. Other notable individuals who have appeared include former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Gates.
Epstein was indicted in July 2019 on federal charges including sex trafficking of minors. The Justice Department alleged he sexually abused girls, some as young as 14, between 2002 and 2005. He died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Democrats on the committee have called for testimony from former President Donald Trump, who had a known relationship with Epstein. Republicans on the committee have declined, stating no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump has emerged. Comer indicated the committee is in communication with the Justice Department regarding potential testimony from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.