**Excerpt:** Newly released emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein’s advice to billionaire Leon Black regarding handling allegations from a former model.
Key Points
– Jeffrey Epstein provided advice to Leon Black during a sexual abuse allegation scandal.
– Black faced accusations from Guzel Ganieva, a former model with whom he had a six-year relationship.
– Epstein suggested employing former law enforcement to approach Ganieva about a nondisclosure agreement.
– Black’s payments to Epstein for wealth management services totaled approximately $158 million.
– Investigations into Black’s relationship with Epstein raise ongoing concerns about financial motivations.
Epstein’s Involvement in Black’s Affairs
Documents released by Congress have highlighted Jeffrey Epstein’s role in assisting billionaire Leon Black amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. These emails, disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, reveal Epstein’s involvement during a turbulent period in Black’s personal life.
Background on the Allegations
Leon Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, was embroiled in a scandal involving Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model. The two had a six-year affair that ended controversially, with Ganieva accusing Black of sexual abuse, allegations he has vehemently denied.
As Black sought to secure a nondisclosure agreement to silence Ganieva, Epstein suggested that he hire former law enforcement officers to approach her. In a September 21, 2015 email, Epstein wrote, “Choose method of message delivery, my choice… who may knock on her door and present the terms.”
Epstein’s Advice and Strategy
Epstein did not mention Ganieva directly in his communications but referenced details that made it clear he was discussing her. He advised Black to have individuals available in New York should Ganieva travel there to confront him. Epstein’s emails suggested a strategic approach involving intimidation through former FBI agents.
Following this initial correspondence, Epstein instructed Black’s assistant to create a separate email account for their discussions to maintain confidentiality.
Investigations and Financial Relationships
The nature of the emails has raised concerns among investigators about Black’s financial dealings with Epstein. Ernest Badway, a former SEC attorney, noted that such exchanges should have raised red flags within Apollo Global Management regarding Black’s ties to Epstein.
Black reportedly paid Epstein approximately $158 million for various financial services, yet questions remain about the legitimacy of this compensation, particularly given the context of the allegations.
Ongoing Scrutiny
Senator Ron Wyden, who has been investigating the financial relationship between Black and Epstein, suggests that Black’s total payments to Epstein may have reached $170 million. Wyden expressed skepticism about Black’s explanations regarding the payments for tax advice, calling his narrative into question.
Black’s relationship with Epstein was previously reviewed in an internal investigation conducted by the law firm Dechert LLP. The investigation concluded that Black’s payments to Epstein were primarily for estate planning and tax advice, although it remains unclear if the emails regarding Ganieva were included in that review.
Black stepped down from Apollo in March 2021, shortly after the completion of the Dechert report.
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