Apollo (APO) Faces Securities Class Action Over Alleged Epstein Ties

Lawsuit alleges Apollo misled investors about its relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) alleging the firm and its top executives made materially false statements regarding Apollo's relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, filed by national shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman, seeks to represent investors who purchased or acquired Apollo securities between May 10, 2021, and February 21, 2026.

Why it matters

The lawsuit comes after a series of investigative reports that appear to contradict Apollo's previous claims that its ties to Epstein were limited. The revelations have already led to a significant drop in Apollo's stock price, erasing around $12 billion in market value.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Apollo and its leadership, including CEO Marc Rowan, misled the public by claiming the firm "never did any business" with Epstein. However, recent reports suggest a deeper level of professional entanglement, with Rowan and other top executives allegedly holding wide-ranging discussions with Epstein regarding the firm's tax arrangements and potential "inversion" deals throughout the 2010s. The lawsuit also cites new details from a CNN report alleging that Epstein received internal Apollo financial documents and hosted meetings between Apollo executives and international private banks at his Manhattan townhouse.

  • The class period covers May 10, 2021, to February 21, 2026.
  • On February 1, 2026, the Financial Times reported on the alleged discussions between Apollo executives and Epstein.
  • On February 17, 2026, two major teachers' unions urged the SEC to investigate Apollo's "lack of candor" over its ties to Epstein.
  • On February 21, 2026, CNN published new details about Epstein's alleged involvement with Apollo.

The players

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

A global alternative investment management firm.

Marc Rowan

The CEO of Apollo Global Management.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who had alleged ties to Apollo.

Hagens Berman

The national shareholder rights law firm that filed the class action lawsuit against Apollo.

Reed Kathrein

The Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation of the pending claims against Apollo.

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What they’re saying

“For years, Apollo assured the market that its ties to Jeffrey Epstein began and ended with Leon Black. The recent reports and the complaint suggest a deeper level of professional entanglement involving current CEO Marc Rowan.”

— Reed Kathrein, Hagens Berman partner

What’s next

Investors who purchased Apollo securities during the class period have until May 1, 2026, to ask the court to appoint them as lead plaintiff in the case.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing scrutiny and fallout over Apollo's alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which appear to contradict the firm's previous claims. The revelations have already had a significant financial impact on Apollo, and the outcome of this case could further shape the firm's reputation and future.