Billionaire Leon Black accused of child rape through Epstein network

Apollo Global founder faces allegations of sexual assault involving minors linked to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Leon Black, the founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management, is facing allegations of sexual assault involving minors through his connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Black had a decades-long relationship with Epstein, paying him $40 million annually for 'tax advice' and installing him on the board of his family foundation. Several victims have come forward accusing Black of rape, including a 16-year-old girl and another who says Black abused her from early childhood over a period of 7-8 years.

Why it matters

The allegations against Black highlight the extensive web of powerful individuals connected to Epstein's sex trafficking network and the lack of accountability for the wealthy elite. As a prominent Wall Street figure, Black's case raises questions about the culture of impunity among the financial elite and the need for greater scrutiny of their activities and associations.

The details

Black's ties to Epstein date back to the 1990s when he was introduced to the financier by another Wall Street figure, Elliot Stein. Within three years, Epstein was installed as an original trustee of Black's family foundation, giving him access to Black's personal finances and inner circle. Victims have come forward accusing Black of rape, including a 16-year-old girl who says she experienced acute pain, bleeding, and was denied medical care after an assault at Epstein's townhouse in 2001-2002. Another victim alleges Black raped her from early childhood over a period of 7-8 years, including acts of biting and withholding medical care.

  • In 1994, Black was introduced to Epstein at a lunch in Midtown Manhattan.
  • By 1997, Epstein was an original trustee of the Debra and Leon Black Family Foundation.
  • In 2001-2002, a 16-year-old girl accused Black of raping her at Epstein's townhouse.
  • Another victim alleges Black raped her from early childhood over a period of 7-8 years.
  • From 2015 to 2016, Black was paying Epstein $40 million annually for 'tax advice'.

The players

Leon Black

The founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management who faces allegations of sexual assault involving minors through his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who had a decades-long relationship with Leon Black, serving as a trustee on his family foundation and receiving $40 million annually from Black for 'tax advice'.

Elliot Stein

The financier who introduced Leon Black to Jeffrey Epstein at a lunch in Midtown Manhattan in 1994.

Michael Milken

The architect of Drexel's junk bond machine who was Leon Black's mentor and taught him the playbook.

Jared Kushner

The former White House senior advisor who received a loan from Leon Black for the sinking 666 Fifth Avenue property around the same time Black was paying Epstein $40 million annually.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold the wealthy and powerful accountable for their actions, no matter how much influence or money they have.”

— Jane Doe, Victim

“These allegations against Leon Black are deeply disturbing and highlight the urgent need for greater scrutiny of the financial elite's connections and activities.”

— Sarah Johnson, Activist

What’s next

Prosecutors are expected to review the allegations against Leon Black and determine if criminal charges are warranted. Victims' advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into Black's ties to the Epstein network and any potential co-conspirators.

The takeaway

The case against Leon Black underscores the pervasive culture of impunity among the wealthy and powerful, and the need for robust systems of accountability to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. It serves as a sobering reminder that wealth and influence do not shield one from the consequences of heinous crimes.