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Today's Headlines: Sudan's civil war took a dark turn after the paramilitary RSF captured El Fasher, giving them full control of Darfur's major cities. The group is accused of killing hundreds and filming their own war crimes as hundreds of thousands flee. Meanwhile, Trump's threatening to send the U.S. military “guns-a-blazing” into Nigeria to “protect cherished Christians” from Boko Haram, declaring the country a “state of particular concern.” Nigerian officials politely said thanks but no thanks—they're still, you know, a sovereign nation. In Venezuela, the U.S. carried out yet another boat strike (the 15th since September), as reports suggest Trump's team is prepping direct hits on Venezuelan military targets linked to drug trafficking. In local matters, Trump's demanding Senate Republicans ditch the filibuster to end the government shutdown while partying at Mar-a-Lago as SNAP benefits expire. A judge ordered the USDA to pay SNAP recipients “as soon as possible,” but leaked emails show the agency told grocery stores not to offer discounts to hungry families. Very on-brand. In other news, the White House fired the entire Commission of Fine Arts to make way for friendlier faces on upcoming construction projects, the FBI may have overhyped a supposed Michigan “terror plot” that might've just been teenage gamers, and newly released records show JP Morgan flagged over $1 billion in suspicious Epstein-related transactions—names like Dershowitz, Wexner, and Leon Black—while both the bank and Trump's first administration looked the other way. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: Sudan's brutal civil war escalates as paramilitary forces go on killing rampage NBC News: Trump tells Defense Department to 'prepare for possible action' in Nigeria NYT: Latest U.S. Military Boat Strike in Caribbean Sea Kills 3, Pete Hegseth Says Miami Herald: U.S. ready to strike military targets inside Venezuela The Independent: Venezuela claims to have captured ‘CIA backed cell plotting false flag attack' as tensions with US grow WSJ: Trump Urges Republicans to End the Filibuster to Reopen Government X: USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts People: USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts ABC News: White House fires members of commission that is to weigh in on Trump's construction projects NBC News: FBI foiled a 'potential terrorist attack' in Michigan planned for Halloween weekend, Director Kash Patel says AP News: Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed NYT: JPMorgan Alerted U.S. to Epstein Transfers Involving Wall St. Figures Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The fallout from the revelations about Leon Black's financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein ignited a bitter power struggle at Apollo Global Management. When it was revealed that Black had paid Epstein over $150 million for questionable “advisory services,” investors, regulators, and the public demanded accountability. That scrutiny forced Apollo's board to initiate a review, which ultimately led to Black stepping down earlier than planned. His departure cracked open rivalries among Apollo's co-founders, with Marc Rowan and Josh Harris maneuvering for influence. What should have been a smooth leadership transition instead turned into a test of Apollo's governance, reputation, and stability in the face of scandal.The struggle was not just about replacing Black—it was about cleaning up the mess his actions left behind. Senior leadership and board members clashed over why such extraordinary sums were paid to Epstein with little documentation or oversight, sparking deeper questions about Apollo's culture of accountability. Harris, once considered a top contender for the top role, pulled back from daily management amid the turmoil, leaving Rowan to step into leadership. The entire episode underscored how deeply Epstein's shadow reached into the highest levels of finance, destabilizing one of the world's most powerful private equity firms and forcing Apollo to reckon with reputational damage that money alone couldn't erase.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://nypost.com/2021/05/24/jeffrey-epstein-led-to-fallout-at-apollo-global-management/
Epstein is reported to have advised clients on deploying GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts)—an estate planning vehicle that lets ultra-wealthy individuals pass appreciating assets to heirs while minimizing gift and estate taxes. Analysts say Epstein used his proximity to billionaires and his aura of financial wizardry to pitch these sophisticated tax-avoidance schemes. The strategy exploits a loophole in U.S. tax law: during the trust's term, the grantor retains annuity payments, and if the trust's investments outperform the assumed IRS rate, the excess passes to beneficiaries tax-free. Epstein's involvement with GRATs even drew Senate scrutiny after it emerged he helped clients like Leon Black and possibly Sergey Brin structure trust arrangements.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
In April 2022, when Elon Musk made his $43–44 billion bid to buy Twitter, Apollo Global Management quickly surfaced as one of the major Wall Street firms exploring involvement. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Sports Business Journal indicated that Apollo, which owned Yahoo and AOL through its portfolio, was considering helping finance Musk's bid through preferred equity or debt financing. The firm was also exploring options to roll its existing digital assets—like Yahoo's advertising infrastructure—into a broader partnership with Twitter after acquisition. The discussions positioned Apollo as one of the most significant institutional players potentially backing Musk, underscoring its appetite for high-profile tech and media investments.By October 2022, however, Reuters and PYMNTS confirmed that Apollo, along with Sixth Street Partners, had dropped out of negotiations. Sources familiar with the talks said the firms were “no longer in discussions” to participate in the financing package, citing uncertainties over Musk's shifting deal terms and the platform's long-term revenue trajectory. The withdrawal highlighted Apollo's risk-management approach—balancing bold investment ambition with caution toward volatile technology assets. In the end, Musk closed the acquisition without Apollo's participation, and the firm publicly moved on to other digital-media ventures.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Epstein is reported to have advised clients on deploying GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts)—an estate planning vehicle that lets ultra-wealthy individuals pass appreciating assets to heirs while minimizing gift and estate taxes. Analysts say Epstein used his proximity to billionaires and his aura of financial wizardry to pitch these sophisticated tax-avoidance schemes. The strategy exploits a loophole in U.S. tax law: during the trust's term, the grantor retains annuity payments, and if the trust's investments outperform the assumed IRS rate, the excess passes to beneficiaries tax-free. Epstein's involvement with GRATs even drew Senate scrutiny after it emerged he helped clients like Leon Black and possibly Sergey Brin structure trust arrangements.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
The lawsuits filed against Leon Black in connection with Jeffrey Epstein are among the most graphic and disturbing to emerge from Epstein's orbit. Several women, including Cheri Pierson and a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, accuse Black of violent sexual assaults that allegedly took place inside Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Pierson claims Black raped her in 2002 after Epstein arranged what was supposed to be a massage appointment, describing the encounter as brutal and coercive. Another lawsuit alleges Black sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome, leaving her bleeding and traumatized. Both cases portray Black as a predator who exploited Epstein's network to target vulnerable women, echoing the broader pattern of abuse associated with Epstein's inner circle. Black's legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing the claims as false and opportunistic.Compounding the scandal is Black's series of high-dollar settlements and legal maneuvering. In 2023, he quietly paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid potential litigation tied to Epstein's trafficking operations there. He also succeeded in getting parts of other lawsuits dismissed on procedural grounds, including a defamation case brought by former model Guzel Ganieva, which was thrown out in early 2025. Still, the volume and nature of the claims — combined with his massive financial ties to Epstein and the Senate Finance Committee's scrutiny of his payments — have left Black mired in controversy. The lawsuits' explicit, violent allegations and the perception of systemic leniency have solidified his position as one of the most controversial figures to emerge from Epstein's shadow.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Patrick Bet-David and the team break down disturbing new Epstein revelations involving billionaire Leon Black, coded letters, and hidden payoffs. They analyze how Epstein's empire mixed sex trafficking, blackmail, and money laundering.
The lawsuits filed against Leon Black in connection with Jeffrey Epstein are among the most graphic and disturbing to emerge from Epstein's orbit. Several women, including Cheri Pierson and a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, accuse Black of violent sexual assaults that allegedly took place inside Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Pierson claims Black raped her in 2002 after Epstein arranged what was supposed to be a massage appointment, describing the encounter as brutal and coercive. Another lawsuit alleges Black sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome, leaving her bleeding and traumatized. Both cases portray Black as a predator who exploited Epstein's network to target vulnerable women, echoing the broader pattern of abuse associated with Epstein's inner circle. Black's legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing the claims as false and opportunistic.Compounding the scandal is Black's series of high-dollar settlements and legal maneuvering. In 2023, he quietly paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid potential litigation tied to Epstein's trafficking operations there. He also succeeded in getting parts of other lawsuits dismissed on procedural grounds, including a defamation case brought by former model Guzel Ganieva, which was thrown out in early 2025. Still, the volume and nature of the claims — combined with his massive financial ties to Epstein and the Senate Finance Committee's scrutiny of his payments — have left Black mired in controversy. The lawsuits' explicit, violent allegations and the perception of systemic leniency have solidified his position as one of the most controversial figures to emerge from Epstein's shadow.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
The lawsuits filed against Leon Black in connection with Jeffrey Epstein are among the most graphic and disturbing to emerge from Epstein's orbit. Several women, including Cheri Pierson and a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, accuse Black of violent sexual assaults that allegedly took place inside Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Pierson claims Black raped her in 2002 after Epstein arranged what was supposed to be a massage appointment, describing the encounter as brutal and coercive. Another lawsuit alleges Black sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome, leaving her bleeding and traumatized. Both cases portray Black as a predator who exploited Epstein's network to target vulnerable women, echoing the broader pattern of abuse associated with Epstein's inner circle. Black's legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing the claims as false and opportunistic.Compounding the scandal is Black's series of high-dollar settlements and legal maneuvering. In 2023, he quietly paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid potential litigation tied to Epstein's trafficking operations there. He also succeeded in getting parts of other lawsuits dismissed on procedural grounds, including a defamation case brought by former model Guzel Ganieva, which was thrown out in early 2025. Still, the volume and nature of the claims — combined with his massive financial ties to Epstein and the Senate Finance Committee's scrutiny of his payments — have left Black mired in controversy. The lawsuits' explicit, violent allegations and the perception of systemic leniency have solidified his position as one of the most controversial figures to emerge from Epstein's shadow.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black, a billionaire financier and Dartmouth alumnus, has faced growing scrutiny over his long and lucrative association with Jeffrey Epstein — scrutiny that has extended to his alma mater. Black and his wife donated $48 million to Dartmouth College, funding the Black Family Visual Arts Center, which bears their name. However, revelations that Black paid Epstein $158 million for “tax and estate planning services” between 2012 and 2017 — years after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes — sparked outrage within the Dartmouth community. Critics argued that maintaining Black's name on campus was incompatible with the college's stated values. Epstein had also been listed as a trustee on Black's family foundation, further entangling the financier's legacy with that of the disgraced predator.The Guerrilla Girls, an anonymous feminist art collective known for holding cultural institutions accountable for gender and racial justice, publicly challenged Black over his ties to Epstein. They canceled a book deal with Phaidon Press (which is owned by Black) upon learning of his “extensive and shady dealings” with Epstein. They also led campaigns urging MoMA to remove Black from its board, installing public posters outside the museum and rallying other artists and activists to pressure the institution to sever ties with donors linked to sexual misconduct.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
According to newly reported emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Leon Black, Epstein pressed Black with aggressive financial demands for years, particularly around 2015 to 2016. Epstein repeatedly insisted on annual payments of roughly US$40 million for providing tax-and-estate-planning services, seeking an upfront US$25 million plus multiple US$5-million bi-monthly installments. He chastised Black's children and financial advisers, calling them incompetent and saying that their actions had created a “really dangerous mess.”While Black had engaged Epstein for advisory services and reportedly paid over US$150 million over a period of time, the correspondence underscores how Epstein sought to impose unusually high compensation and used personal attacks and pressure tactics. Black maintains that Epstein's role was limited to legitimate financial work, and investigations (such as the independent review by law firm Dechert LLP) found no conclusive wrongdoing by Black, though substantial payments and tax-planning strategies remain under scrutiny from the U.S. to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein sent nasty emails to Apollo founder Leon Black demanding millions of dollars
CannCon and Zak Paine kick off another fiery week on Badlands Daily as the government shutdown drags into its third week. After a quick dive into AI innovation and its coming impact on the workforce, the duo shifts gears to explosive developments in the Epstein saga, linking Prince Andrew, Ehud Barak, and Tony Blair to new revelations from Virginia Giuffre's memoir. They unpack billionaire Leon Black's disturbing ties to Epstein and the hidden hands behind global corruption. Then it's on to the “No Kings” protests, media psyops, and the growing manipulation meant to push America toward civil conflict. Trump's latest moves on pardons, peace negotiations in Ukraine, and bold strikes against drug traffickers get their own deep dive, capped with insight into looming globalist power plays like the proposed carbon tax and the latest Israel-Gaza updates. Smart, sharp, and unfiltered, this episode proves once again why Badlands Daily remains the pulse of the parallel press.
According to newly reported emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Leon Black, Epstein pressed Black with aggressive financial demands for years, particularly around 2015 to 2016. Epstein repeatedly insisted on annual payments of roughly US$40 million for providing tax-and-estate-planning services, seeking an upfront US$25 million plus multiple US$5-million bi-monthly installments. He chastised Black's children and financial advisers, calling them incompetent and saying that their actions had created a “really dangerous mess.”While Black had engaged Epstein for advisory services and reportedly paid over US$150 million over a period of time, the correspondence underscores how Epstein sought to impose unusually high compensation and used personal attacks and pressure tactics. Black maintains that Epstein's role was limited to legitimate financial work, and investigations (such as the independent review by law firm Dechert LLP) found no conclusive wrongdoing by Black, though substantial payments and tax-planning strategies remain under scrutiny from the U.S. to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein sent nasty emails to Apollo founder Leon Black demanding millions of dollarsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
According to newly reported emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Leon Black, Epstein pressed Black with aggressive financial demands for years, particularly around 2015 to 2016. Epstein repeatedly insisted on annual payments of roughly US$40 million for providing tax-and-estate-planning services, seeking an upfront US$25 million plus multiple US$5-million bi-monthly installments. He chastised Black's children and financial advisers, calling them incompetent and saying that their actions had created a “really dangerous mess.”While Black had engaged Epstein for advisory services and reportedly paid over US$150 million over a period of time, the correspondence underscores how Epstein sought to impose unusually high compensation and used personal attacks and pressure tactics. Black maintains that Epstein's role was limited to legitimate financial work, and investigations (such as the independent review by law firm Dechert LLP) found no conclusive wrongdoing by Black, though substantial payments and tax-planning strategies remain under scrutiny from the U.S. to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein sent nasty emails to Apollo founder Leon Black demanding millions of dollarsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Headline stories and then King Randall and his innovative school for boys~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Politics, Manage Your Energy, Grantifa, No Kings, French Crown Jewels Stolen, Robot War Dogs, Walter Cronkite, Leon Black, Friedrich Merz, President Maduro, Gaza Ceasefire, Ukraine Tomahawk Missiles, Ukraine War, President Trump, President Putin, King Randall, Scott AdamsKing Randall: Thexforboys.org~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots of useful topics to build your talent stack, please see scottadams.locals.com for full access to that secret treasure.
Jeffrey Epstein manipulated financial markets not by traditional trading fraud but through influence, opacity, and access. He embedded himself inside the financial empires of billionaires like Les Wexner and Leon Black, gaining control of vast capital reserves under the guise of “exclusive money management.” By structuring himself as a gatekeeper rather than a trader, Epstein positioned his network at the intersection of elite capital and secrecy. Through Financial Trust Company, registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he exploited generous tax shelters, confidentiality protections, and regulatory blind spots to quietly move and obscure assets. These offshore structures let Epstein shift funds globally, mask ownership trails, and shield beneficiaries — creating the illusion of legitimate financial sophistication while actually leveraging loopholes and relationships.Epstein's real power lay in his ability to manipulate liquidity and market perception through shell entities and credit instruments like repos and mortgage-backed securities. His Bermuda-based vehicle Liquid Funding Ltd. — partially financed by Bear Stearns — operated in debt and derivatives markets that allowed him to obscure leverage ratios and offload risk to counterparties. He also had historical ties to Towers Financial, a company later revealed to be a massive Ponzi scheme, where Epstein reportedly advised founder Stephen Hoffenberg on structuring debt packages that misled investors. Taken together, these networks enabled Epstein to influence pricing, conceal illicit inflows, and present himself as a mysterious financial genius while effectively manipulating money flows that blurred the line between investment and laundering.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
Epstein is reported to have advised clients on deploying GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts)—an estate planning vehicle that lets ultra-wealthy individuals pass appreciating assets to heirs while minimizing gift and estate taxes. Analysts say Epstein used his proximity to billionaires and his aura of financial wizardry to pitch these sophisticated tax-avoidance schemes. The strategy exploits a loophole in U.S. tax law: during the trust's term, the grantor retains annuity payments, and if the trust's investments outperform the assumed IRS rate, the excess passes to beneficiaries tax-free. Epstein's involvement with GRATs even drew Senate scrutiny after it emerged he helped clients like Leon Black and possibly Sergey Brin structure trust arrangements.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black, a billionaire financier and Dartmouth alumnus, has faced growing scrutiny over his long and lucrative association with Jeffrey Epstein — scrutiny that has extended to his alma mater. Black and his wife donated $48 million to Dartmouth College, funding the Black Family Visual Arts Center, which bears their name. However, revelations that Black paid Epstein $158 million for “tax and estate planning services” between 2012 and 2017 — years after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes — sparked outrage within the Dartmouth community. Critics argued that maintaining Black's name on campus was incompatible with the college's stated values. Epstein had also been listed as a trustee on Black's family foundation, further entangling the financier's legacy with that of the disgraced predator.The Guerrilla Girls, an anonymous feminist art collective known for holding cultural institutions accountable for gender and racial justice, publicly challenged Black over his ties to Epstein. They canceled a book deal with Phaidon Press (which is owned by Black) upon learning of his “extensive and shady dealings” with Epstein. They also led campaigns urging MoMA to remove Black from its board, installing public posters outside the museum and rallying other artists and activists to pressure the institution to sever ties with donors linked to sexual misconduct.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Jeffrey Epstein manipulated financial markets not by traditional trading fraud but through influence, opacity, and access. He embedded himself inside the financial empires of billionaires like Les Wexner and Leon Black, gaining control of vast capital reserves under the guise of “exclusive money management.” By structuring himself as a gatekeeper rather than a trader, Epstein positioned his network at the intersection of elite capital and secrecy. Through Financial Trust Company, registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he exploited generous tax shelters, confidentiality protections, and regulatory blind spots to quietly move and obscure assets. These offshore structures let Epstein shift funds globally, mask ownership trails, and shield beneficiaries — creating the illusion of legitimate financial sophistication while actually leveraging loopholes and relationships.Epstein's real power lay in his ability to manipulate liquidity and market perception through shell entities and credit instruments like repos and mortgage-backed securities. His Bermuda-based vehicle Liquid Funding Ltd. — partially financed by Bear Stearns — operated in debt and derivatives markets that allowed him to obscure leverage ratios and offload risk to counterparties. He also had historical ties to Towers Financial, a company later revealed to be a massive Ponzi scheme, where Epstein reportedly advised founder Stephen Hoffenberg on structuring debt packages that misled investors. Taken together, these networks enabled Epstein to influence pricing, conceal illicit inflows, and present himself as a mysterious financial genius while effectively manipulating money flows that blurred the line between investment and laundering.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.com
Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.com
A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black is an American businessman and investor who co-founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management. He has been a prominent figure in the financial industry. Jeffrey Epstein, on the other hand, was a financier and convicted sex offender who was known for his associations with numerous high-profile individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.The history between Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein is primarily centered around their business and personal connections. Black and Epstein became acquainted in the late 1990s through their involvement in philanthropic and business circles. They both had connections to Harvard University and its financial and academic networks.Black's ties to Epstein included financial transactions, personal loans, and Epstein's involvement in managing some of Black's personal finances.One of the most significant points of contention was Black's relationship with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Despite Epstein's conviction, Black maintained a relationship with him, including financial transactions.This relationship became public knowledge and raised questions about Black's judgment and decision-making, considering Epstein's criminal history.In January 2021, Leon Black announced that he would step down as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid increased scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.An internal review by Apollo's board found that Black had paid Epstein over $150 million for various services and advice, including tax and estate planning. Black stated that he deeply regretted his involvement with Epstein and acknowledged the mistake in judgment.As the story continued to evolve, even more disturbing allegations were brought against Leon Black, including that he took part in the abuse of some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims. In this episode, we get an update on an ongoing legal case between Leon Black and one of his accusers, a woman who is also afflicted with mosaic down syndrome. (commercial at 10:24)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Leon Black's Down syndrome rape accuser says he sent private investigators to her house and to her parents' home after she filed lawsuit | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
After Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 arrest, billionaire financier Leon Black scrambled to distance himself from the disgraced sex offender, despite years of documented financial and personal ties. Black initially portrayed his connection to Epstein as limited to “tax and estate planning advice,” claiming he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and had ended all contact after learning of them. But that narrative began to crumble when reports revealed Black had paid Epstein roughly $158 million between 2012 and 2017—years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Under growing scrutiny, Black stepped down as CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management in 2021 following an internal investigation that, while stopping short of criminal findings, confirmed that his payments to Epstein were far larger and more frequent than previously disclosed.Publicly, Black sought to frame himself as a victim of Epstein's manipulative charm, describing their relationship as a “terrible mistake” born of misplaced trust in a man who “betrayed” him. Privately, however, former associates and leaked correspondence suggested the two had shared a closer dynamic, with Epstein advising on personal matters, charitable giving, and even meeting members of Black's family. The fallout tarnished Black's reputation permanently, forcing him into partial exile from the financial elite he once dominated. His attempts to rebrand the connection as a naïve business misjudgment only deepened public skepticism—cementing his image as another powerful man who enabled, empowered, and profited from Jeffrey Epstein long after the rest of the world knew who and what he was.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
In lawsuits filed beginning in 2022–2023, the central allegation is that Leon Black sexually assaulted a then-teenage girl inside Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2002. The plaintiff, referred to as “Jane Doe,” claims she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell—and that Epstein directed her to provide Black with a “massage” that escalated into rape in a third-floor massage room. She further contends she was autistic and born with Mosaic Down Syndrome, vulnerabilities that the complaint says were exploited; she alleges Black used force, sex toys, and violence, inflicting physical injuries and psychological trauma.Black's legal team forcefully denies the accusations, calling them baseless and “frivolous.” He has sought to dismiss the case on procedural grounds, challenging the statute of limitations, the revival of old claims under New York law, and jurisdictional issues. A federal judge declined to dismiss one version of the claim, ruling that the victim's pleading under New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law could proceed, while other lawsuits—such as one by Cheri Pierson making similar claims—have been withdrawn or dismissed.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
In lawsuits filed beginning in 2022–2023, the central allegation is that Leon Black sexually assaulted a then-teenage girl inside Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2002. The plaintiff, referred to as “Jane Doe,” claims she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell—and that Epstein directed her to provide Black with a “massage” that escalated into rape in a third-floor massage room. She further contends she was autistic and born with Mosaic Down Syndrome, vulnerabilities that the complaint says were exploited; she alleges Black used force, sex toys, and violence, inflicting physical injuries and psychological trauma.Black's legal team forcefully denies the accusations, calling them baseless and “frivolous.” He has sought to dismiss the case on procedural grounds, challenging the statute of limitations, the revival of old claims under New York law, and jurisdictional issues. A federal judge declined to dismiss one version of the claim, ruling that the victim's pleading under New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law could proceed, while other lawsuits—such as one by Cheri Pierson making similar claims—have been withdrawn or dismissed.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Denise George, the former Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands, took a highly aggressive approach in pursuing Jeffrey Epstein's financial network, using subpoenas as her primary weapon. Her office demanded records from major banks—including JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Citibank—seeking detailed information on Epstein's accounts, shell companies, and offshore structures. She also extended subpoenas to powerful financiers like Leon Black and his firm Apollo Global Management, as well as Glenn Dubin and his wife, requiring them to produce financial statements and communications tied to their dealings with Epstein. These subpoenas aimed to uncover the hidden channels through which Epstein moved money, secured influence, and allegedly funded his trafficking operation.The broader intent behind George's subpoenas was not just to secure financial restitution from Epstein's estate, but to expose the web of enablers who may have knowingly or unknowingly facilitated his crimes. Her legal filings accused Epstein and his entities of running a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, forced labor, and aggravated sexual assault in the Virgin Islands. By targeting banks and billionaires alike, George's subpoenas sent a clear message: Epstein's power was built on institutional complicity, and the only way to dismantle it was to follow the money wherever it led.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Jerry Angelo Brooks, who uses the stage name J. B. Smoove, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and voice actor. He started his career in 1995 on Def Comedy Jam and later became a writer and performer for Saturday Night Live. Smoove is also known for his role as Leon Black in season six of Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he became a fan favorite. As a voice actor, he has portrayed characters such as Bebop, Frank the Plant, and Anton Zeck. Bobbys World Merchandise from Retrokid: https://retrokid.ca/collections/bobbys-world Howie Mandel Does Stuff available on every Podcast Platform Visit the Official Howie Mandel Website for more: https://www.howiemandel.com/ Howie Mandel Does Stuff Merchandise available on Amazon.com here https://www.amazon.com/shop/howiemandeldoesstuff Join the "Official Howie Mandel Does Stuff" Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/HowieMandelPodcast/ Thanks to Our Sponsors: Ever wonder if you've taken your daily medication? It's a common concern, with many accidentally missing doses or taking them twice. The Carroself smart pill system offers a simple solution to stay on track, whether at home or traveling, with pre-filled cartridges that eliminate guesswork. For a limited time, receive $50 off the Complete Carroself™ Smart Pill Dispenser Full Set using the code 'CARE4U' on their website. Immod Innovations has come up with a daily supplement designed to support how you feel from the inside out. CellBB Immune Equilibrium boasts this fancy blend of... what do they call it? Bioactive phospholipids. I don't know what that means, but it sounds smart—and apparently, they help keep your cells happy and balanced, doing their thing to support your immunity and even contribute to healthy aging. For an extra 10% discount storewide AND free shipping in the US, use the code 'HOWIE10' at immodinn.com. Ever had a minor symptom send you down a rabbit hole of online medical searches, leading to unnecessary panic? There's a way to move past the anxiety of the unknown and get concrete answers about your health. With Cancer Check Labs at-home blood test reviewed by board-certified pathologists, you can get factual results without the doomscrolling. Take control of your health journey and head over to CancerCheckLabs.com now! When your mind is overwhelmed like a browser with too many tabs open, Vagal Oh! can help. It's a wireless, non-invasive stimulator that gently clips to the ear. With one tap of the app, it sends a calming signal via your vagal nerve, helping to reset your nervous system. For a limited time, you can get $100 off by visiting vagal.com and using the code HOWIE100. #CalmTech #BetterSleeop #VagalStimulation Say Hello to our house band Sunny and the Black Pack! Follow them here! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackMediaPresents TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackmediapresents Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/01uFmntCHwOW438t7enYOO?si=0Oc-_QJdQ0CrMkWii42BWA&nd=1&dlsi=a9792af062844b4f Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunnyAndTheBlackPack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmediapresents/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/blackmediapresents Twitter: twitter.com/blackmedia @howiemandel @jackelynshultz @ohsnapjbsmoove
Leon Black, billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, maintained a direct and lucrative financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein long after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Records show Black paid Epstein roughly $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for what he characterized as tax, estate, and philanthropic advisory work. Despite Epstein's notoriety, Black said he relied on top law firms and accounting advisors to vet Epstein's services, insisting the payments were tied to legitimate advice.Beyond financial dealings, Black's inclusion in Epstein's 2003 “birthday book” underscored a social tie as well. He submitted a poem that alluded to Epstein's reputation for financial wizardry, suggesting familiarity beyond just business. Congressional investigators and Senate leaders have since questioned whether the scale of the payments was commensurate with the services Epstein claimed to provide, calling for deeper IRS scrutiny into whether Epstein was effectively a shadow fixer for Black's wealth.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://www.crainsnewyork.com/finance/epstein-had-door-apollo-his-deep-ties-blackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Apollo Global Management (along with VICI Properties) struck a massive deal to acquire The Venetian Resort, Palazzo, and Sands Expo from Las Vegas Sands for about $6.25 billion. The deal split the real estate and operations: VICI bought the land and real estate assets (~$4 billion), while Apollo acquired the operating company. Apollo is responsible for running day-to-day operations including hotel rooms, casinos, dining, entertainment, and conventions. Seller financing and favorable lease terms with VICI were part of the structure, making it a complex transaction with shared responsibilitiesRegulators in Nevada approved Apollo's license to operate the properties, despite concerns tied to Apollo's past (notably its prior ownership of Caesars and founder Leon Black's controversies). To address those concerns, Apollo agreed to strict governance structures: Leon Black, though still a shareholder, would have no day-to-day control, no board seat, and would stay fully separated from decision-making for these properties. Apollo reinforced that this deal is very different from its prior stressful venture with Caesars, mainly with less leverage, clearer operational expectations, and stronger protections.To contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/02/01/as-apollo-makes-license-bid-for-sands-founder-alleges-conspiracy-against-co-founder/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
In July 2023, billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, agreed to pay roughly $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to resolve potential claims tied to his financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The USVI had been pursuing Epstein's estate and associates for enabling or benefiting from his trafficking network, and Black was facing scrutiny over large payments made to Epstein's companies for so-called “financial advice.” The settlement gave Black immunity from criminal liability in the USVI and ended the possibility of a lawsuit there, though it did not include an admission of wrongdoing. Black has consistently said the payments were legitimate professional fees and that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.The deal, however, did not put all questions to rest. Around the same time, the Senate Finance Committee, led by Senator Ron Wyden, released documents showing Black paid Epstein far more than originally known—over $150 million between 2012 and 2017—sparking deeper concerns that such vast sums may have indirectly financed Epstein's operations. The revelations intensified scrutiny not only of Black's judgment but also of whether banks and institutions involved properly flagged or investigated the transactions. While the $62 million settlement resolved matters with the Virgin Islands, it left lingering doubts about the true nature of Black's relationship with Epstein and whether full accountability was ever reached.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Jeffrey Epstein was deeply embedded in the socialite world, cultivating friendships and influence among some of the richest, most powerful, and most famous people globally. His circle included high-profile figures such as Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, Leon Black, Les Wexner, and Alan Dershowitz. These ties ranged from superficial social interactions—attending elite parties, being included in birthday books, and hobnobbing at private estates—to deeper personal and professional arrangements. Epstein also associated with powerful facilitators like Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite who helped him gain entrée into upper-class society and allegedly assisted him in recruiting girls.A more nuanced aspect of Epstein's socialite friendships is the blend of charm, glamour, secrecy, and power these relationships enabled. Some reciprocated gestures—messages in the “birthday book” (like that from Leon Black), lavish gifts, and patronage—while others later claimed ignorance or deniability when accusations arose. Many have since faced scrutiny for how close they were, whether they benefitted materially or socially, and whether they turned a blind eye to Epstein's crimes. Maxwell is central to this network—not only as a social figure but also as the linchpin facilitating connections, orchestrating social entry for Epstein, and allegedly being complicit in illegal schemes.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://pagesix.com/2022/08/24/caroline-stanbury-accused-of-being-in-jeffrey-epsteins-black-book/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Danya Perry, a former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, built her reputation handling high-profile cases and often siding with survivors in abuse scandals, including speaking out against powerful men like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Schneiderman. She now represents billionaire Leon Black, and has explained her decision as rooted in what she believes is a misuse of the legal system by accusers. Perry argues that some of the claims against Black are inconsistent with recordings, texts, and other evidence she's reviewed, framing her role as pushing back against allegations she sees as fabricated and harmful to the credibility of genuine survivor cases.Leon Black, meanwhile, faces multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct, rape, and abuse, including cases brought by Guzel Ganieva, Cheri Pierson, and others. He has denied all wrongdoing, characterizing the allegations as false and defamatory, and has pursued aggressive counter-litigation. His legal team, including Perry, has fought attempts to disqualify them from his cases, arguing that their defense is legitimate and grounded in evidence that contradicts the accusations. Perry has been central to that defense, reinforcing Black's strategy of denying misconduct while casting doubt on his accusers' credibility.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.businessinsider.com/danya-perry-attorney-profile-leon-black-cuomo-cohen-schneiderman-2022-5Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black, CEO of Apollo Global Management, wrote to his investors expressing regret over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, but he strongly denied wrongdoing or any inappropriate conduct. Black acknowledged that he transferred between $50 million and $75 million to Epstein as far back as 2008, and detailed that Epstein provided professional services to Black's family partnership — services such as estate planning, tax advice, and philanthropic consulting.Black insisted that all of his dealings with Epstein were in a personal capacity and that Apollo itself did not conduct business with Epstein. He said he was “completely unaware” of, and appalled by, the wrongdoing revealed in late 2018 that led to the criminal charges against Epstein. He also pledged to cooperate with ongoing investigations, including that by the U.S. Virgin Islands, while maintaining that none of the conduct was illegal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-jeffrey-epstein-apollo-global/apollo-ceo-black-says-he-regrets-ties-to-epstein-denies-any-wrongdoing-idUSKBN26X2PDThe letter:https://www.axios.com/leon-black-jeffrey-epstein-0eff63bd-6549-4c03-a93a-bb99766dcade.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
On September 8–9, 2025, lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein's estate turned over a leather-bound “birthday book” created for his 50th birthday in 2003 to the House Oversight Committee, complying with a subpoena. The committee then made the material public, including a controversial page featuring a crude sketch of a naked woman, allegedly signed by Donald Trump with the message: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The Trump team and the White House immediately denounced the page as fake, with Trump filing a massive defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the letter. The release instantly triggered partisan battles in Congress, with Democrats arguing the book exposed the scope of Epstein's influence while Republicans dismissed the publication as politically motivated.Beyond the Trump controversy, the collection contained contributions from a wide array of Epstein's powerful associates. Pages included notes from Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, and Leon Black, as well as a striking letter from UK diplomat Peter Mandelson calling Epstein “my best pal.” Compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, the book also featured photos of Epstein's youth, a copy of his birth certificate, and personal memorabilia. While the estate redacted some images of women and minors for privacy reasons, the book's publication has fueled renewed calls from victims and lawmakers for total transparency, underscoring how Epstein's connections spanned politics, business, and academia at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein: House committee releases ‘birthday book,' other records from Epstein estate | CNN Politics
On September 8–9, 2025, lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein's estate turned over a leather-bound “birthday book” created for his 50th birthday in 2003 to the House Oversight Committee, complying with a subpoena. The committee then made the material public, including a controversial page featuring a crude sketch of a naked woman, allegedly signed by Donald Trump with the message: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The Trump team and the White House immediately denounced the page as fake, with Trump filing a massive defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the letter. The release instantly triggered partisan battles in Congress, with Democrats arguing the book exposed the scope of Epstein's influence while Republicans dismissed the publication as politically motivated.Beyond the Trump controversy, the collection contained contributions from a wide array of Epstein's powerful associates. Pages included notes from Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, and Leon Black, as well as a striking letter from UK diplomat Peter Mandelson calling Epstein “my best pal.” Compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, the book also featured photos of Epstein's youth, a copy of his birth certificate, and personal memorabilia. While the estate redacted some images of women and minors for privacy reasons, the book's publication has fueled renewed calls from victims and lawmakers for total transparency, underscoring how Epstein's connections spanned politics, business, and academia at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein: House committee releases ‘birthday book,' other records from Epstein estate | CNN PoliticsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein an absurd amount of money for what he says, was advice. The problem for Leon Black is that nobody believes him and that includes a senate panel that is currently looking into the gigantic sum Black forked over to Epstein. Now, on top of that, another 10 million dollar donation has been uncovered and that 10 million dollars seems to lead direcly to hush money payments being made to those who have accused Black. In this episode, we take a look at the unearthed payment and see where it all fits in when it comes to Leon Black and his BFF Jeffrey Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Leon Black gave Jeffrey Epstein's charity $10m on top of $158m he paid for 'tax advice' in the same year rape accuser Guzel Ganieva received hush money payment from 'E trust' | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein an absurd amount of money for what he says, was advice. The problem for Leon Black is that nobody believes him and that includes a senate panel that is currently looking into the gigantic sum Black forked over to Epstein.Now, on top of that, another 10 million dollar donation has been uncovered and that 10 million dollars seems to lead direcly to hush money payments being made to those who have accused Black.In this episode, we take a look at the newly unearthed payment and see where it all fits in when it comes to Leon Black and his BFF Jeffrey Epstein.(commercial at 7:31)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Leon Black gave Jeffrey Epstein's charity $10m on top of $158m he paid for 'tax advice' in the same year rape accuser Guzel Ganieva received hush money payment from 'E trust' | Daily Mail Online