Billionaire Schwarzman Mentioned in Epstein Files, Plans Foundation Expansion

Abington High grad and Blackstone CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman appears in Epstein records, but no wrongdoing found.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stephen A. Schwarzman, a Huntingdon Valley native, 1965 graduate of Abington Senior High School and the chairman and CEO of the private equity firm Blackstone Inc., appears in 21 data sets within the U.S. Department of Justice's Epstein Files, though no allegations of wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein have been made. Schwarzman is also planning to expand his philanthropic foundation into one of the 10 largest private foundations in the U.S.

Why it matters

Schwarzman's connections to the controversial Epstein case, even without any allegations of wrongdoing, have raised eyebrows and questions about the billionaire's associations. Meanwhile, Schwarzman's plans to significantly grow his foundation could have major implications for the philanthropic landscape and the causes he chooses to support.

The details

Schwarzman's name appears in various Epstein-related documents, including an invitation to a 2015 event hosted by Schwarzman and his wife Christine, as well as a 2013 invitation to an Observer anniversary party that listed Schwarzman, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Harvey Weinstein as guests. However, the website Epsteinexposed.com states that Schwarzman's appearance in these records 'does not imply any wrongdoing or criminal conduct' and that he had 'legitimate professional or social interactions' with Epstein. Separately, Schwarzman is planning to expand his philanthropic foundation, with the 'substantial majority' of his $43.2 billion net worth slated to transfer to the foundation upon his death.

  • In January 2015, Schwarzman and his wife Christine hosted an event honoring 'The Imitation Game'.
  • In February 2013, Schwarzman was invited to a 25th anniversary celebration for the New York Observer.
  • In March 2014, a document listed Schwarzman as one of the 'nine founders of four of the biggest private-equity firms in the world' enjoying a 'bonanza year'.
  • In September 2024, Schwarzman purchased a John Singer Sargent portrait that once belonged to Philadelphia businessman Peter A.B. Widener.
  • As of April 2024, Schwarzman was the 34th richest person in the world.

The players

Stephen A. Schwarzman

A Huntingdon Valley native, 1965 graduate of Abington Senior High School, and the chairman and CEO of the private equity firm Blackstone Inc.

Jeffrey Epstein

The infamous financier, convicted child sex offender, sex trafficker, and subject of more than three million pages released by the Justice Department in the Epstein Files.

Christine Schwarzman

The wife of Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Peter A.B. Widener

A Philadelphia businessman, art collector, and former owner of Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park (Cheltenham Township).

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Abington School Board is expected to decide in the coming months whether to officially change the name of Abington Senior High School to Abington Schwarzman High School following Schwarzman's $25 million donation in 2018.

The takeaway

While Schwarzman's connections to the Epstein case have raised eyebrows, the lack of any allegations of wrongdoing suggests his interactions were likely professional in nature. However, Schwarzman's plans to significantly expand his philanthropic foundation could have a major impact on the causes and organizations he chooses to support in the years to come.