Major Controversies Surrounding Leon Black: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Leon Black.

Leon David Black is an American private equity investor and co-founder of Apollo Global Management. He served as CEO of Apollo and chairman of the Museum of Modern Art. Black resigned from both positions following scrutiny over his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including payments totaling $158 million, and allegations of sexual misconduct.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Epstein as Trustee

In 1997, Leon Black made Jeffrey Epstein one of the original trustees of what is today the Debra and Leon Black Foundation.

2002: Accusation of Rape

In 2002, Cheri Pierson accused Leon Black of raping her in Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in New York City. This accusation was part of a lawsuit that was later discontinued in 2024.

2009: Settlement with Huntsman Corporation

In 2009, Leon Black contributed $60 million in a settlement with Huntsman Corporation after Apollo was sued for backing out of a merger the previous year.

2012: Payments to Epstein Started

In 2012, Leon Black started paying Jeffrey Epstein around $158 million for financial services. These payments would continue for the next 5 years.

2017: Payments to Epstein ended

In 2017, Leon Black's payments to Jeffrey Epstein for complex tax-related transactions ended.

2019: Maintained a "limited relationship" with Epstein

In 2019, Leon Black stated that he maintained a "limited relationship" with Jeffrey Epstein.

October 2020: Independent Review of Epstein Relationship

In October 2020, Leon Black requested that the Apollo board conduct an independent review of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, retaining Dechert LLP to do so.

January 25, 2021: Release of Dechert LLP Review

On January 25, 2021, the review conducted by Dechert LLP was released, revealing that Leon Black had paid Jeffrey Epstein around $158 million from 2012 through 2017 for financial services.

March 2021: Guzel Ganieva's Allegations

In March 2021, Guzel Ganieva claimed on Twitter that she was sexually harassed and abused by Leon Black and forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

July 1, 2021: End of term as chairman of MoMA

On July 1, 2021, Leon Black's term as chairman of the Museum of Modern Art ended, and he did not seek re-election amidst protests.

2021: Resignation from Apollo and MoMA

In 2021, Leon Black resigned from both Apollo Global Management and the Museum of Modern Art following allegations of sexual misconduct and revelations about payments to Jeffrey Epstein.

2021: Stepped down as CEO and chairman

In 2021, Leon Black stepped down as CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management after a report revealed payments to Jeffrey Epstein.

2022: RICO Lawsuit against Josh Harris

In 2022, Leon Black included Josh Harris in a civil RICO lawsuit, alleging a scheme to tarnish his reputation after his ties to Epstein were reported.

May 2023: Ganieva's Lawsuit Dismissed

In May 2023, Guzel Ganieva's lawsuit against Leon Black was dismissed.

July 2023: Senate Finance Committee Investigation

In July 2023, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee made public that it was investigating Leon Black's tax strategies and dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.

July 25, 2023: Lawsuit Alleging Rape of a Minor

On July 25, 2023, a lawsuit was filed against Leon Black, alleging that he raped a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2002.

2023: RICO Lawsuit Dismissal Upheld

In 2023, an appeals court upheld the dismissal of Leon Black's RICO lawsuit against Josh Harris for lack of evidence.

February 2024: Pierson Lawsuit Discontinued

In February 2024, Cheri Pierson discontinued her lawsuit against Leon Black.

July 2025: Wyden Calls for IRS Investigation

In July 2025, Senator Ron Wyden called on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate potential tax evasion performed by Jeffrey Epstein for Leon Black.