Major Controversies Surrounding Leon Black: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

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

Leon Black is an American private equity investor and co-founder of Apollo Global Management. He served as CEO of Apollo until resigning in 2021 amidst controversy surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. Black also resigned from his position as chairman of the Museum of Modern Art following these revelations, marking a significant downturn in his public image and professional career.

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 now known as the Debra and Leon Black Foundation.

2002: Cheri Pierson's Allegation

In 2002, Cheri Pierson accused Leon Black of raping her in Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in New York City. Black denied the claims.

2002: Alleged Rape of a Minor

In 2002, Leon Black was accused of violently raping a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse.

2003: Contribution to Epstein's Birthday Album

In 2003, Leon Black contributed a poem to Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, with lines that referenced Epstein's lifestyle.

2012: Payments to Epstein Begin

Between 2012 and 2017, Leon Black paid $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein for advice on taxes and estate planning. This was revealed in a report published in 2021.

2015: Discussions with Ganieva and NDA

In 2015, Black had discussions with Guzel Ganieva that led to a non-disclosure agreement and payments of $100,000 per month. Epstein strategized with Black's attorney about these discussions, which was reported in 2026.

2017: Payments to Epstein End

Between 2012 and 2017, Leon Black paid $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein for advice on taxes and estate planning. This was revealed in a report published in 2021.

2019: Statement on Relationship with Epstein

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

October 2020: Request for Independent Review

In October 2020, Leon Black requested that the Apollo board conduct an independent review of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, retaining the law firm 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, showing that Leon Black had paid Jeffrey Epstein around $158 million from 2012 through 2017 for financial services, and that Black saved at least $1.3 billion in taxes using Epstein's strategies. Black also pledged to donate $200 million to women's initiatives.

March 2021: Guzel Ganieva's Allegations

In March 2021, Guzel Ganieva alleged sexual harassment and abuse by Leon Black, claiming she was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Black admitted to a consensual affair. Ganieva's allegations include claims that Black introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein.

2021: Resignation from Apollo and MoMA

In 2021, Leon Black resigned from his positions at Apollo Global Management and the Museum of Modern Art, following sexual misconduct allegations and scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

2021: Stepping Down as CEO and Chairman

In 2021, Leon Black stepped down as CEO and chairman of Apollo after a report detailed his financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, where he had paid him $158 million between 2012 and 2017.

2022: RICO Lawsuit Against Josh Harris

In 2022, Leon Black included Josh Harris in a civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuit, alleging that he led a group within Apollo to tarnish Black's reputation after his ties to Epstein were revealed.

May 2023: Dismissal of Ganieva's Lawsuit

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 its investigation into Leon Black's tax strategies and dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.

July 25, 2023: Lawsuit Filed Against Black

On July 25, 2023, a lawsuit was filed against Leon Black, alleging the rape of a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome in 2002. Black's attorney refuted the accusations as "frivolous and sanctionable".

2023: RICO Lawsuit Dismissed

In 2023, a federal judge dismissed Leon Black's RICO lawsuit against Josh Harris for lack of evidence. This decision was upheld by an appeals court.

February 2024: Discontinuation of Pierson's Lawsuit

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

July 2025: Call for IRS Investigation

In July 2025, Senator Ron Wyden called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate potential tax evasion performed by Jeffrey Epstein for Leon Black, citing $158 million in payments between 2012 and 2017.

2026: Allegations of Strategic Lawsuits

In 2026, Wigdor LLP alleged that Leon Black launched multiple strategic lawsuits against public participation against accusers and their attorneys.

2026: Report on Epstein's Strategy

In 2026, it was reported that Jeffrey Epstein strategized with Leon Black's attorney, Brad Karp, about Black's 2015 discussions with Guzel Ganieva, leading to the non-disclosure agreement and payments.