Leon Black in the Epstein Files: Maxwell Testifies About Apollo Founder's Friendship

Direct FBI Testimony

When FBI investigators asked Ghislaine Maxwell to name Jeffrey Epstein's key business connections during her July 2025 proffer interview, she placed Leon Black on a very short list:

"Uh well funny you said first two names one is Wexner, two is Staley, three is Leon Black."

Meeting Leon Black

Maxwell testified about her knowledge of how Black and Epstein's relationship developed:

"Oh, I did meet Leon. Do know Leon? When do you remember... approximately when you met him? I could have met Leon... not really. So, I might have met him nothing to do because Leon Black is very good friends with other friends of mine. I would have met him when I say socially I might have met him."

"How Leon and Epstein became really good friends. I don't I'm not sure. But not through you as far as you... No, not through me as far as I know."

Nature of the Relationship

When asked about what work Epstein did for Black, Maxwell's response was revealing about her distance from Epstein's business affairs:

"Do you know what kind of work Mr. Epstein was doing for Mr. Black over the years?"

Maxwell indicated she did not have detailed knowledge of their specific business arrangements.

Public Record

Leon Black acknowledged paying Epstein approximately $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for what he described as tax and estate planning advice. Black stepped down as Apollo Global Management CEO in 2021 following scrutiny of his Epstein relationship, though he denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes.

An independent review commissioned by Apollo found no evidence Black was involved in Epstein's criminal conduct.

Key Documents

Documents referencing Leon Black include:

*Source: FBI proffer interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, July 24-25, 2025, Tallahassee, Florida*