Podcasts about Leon Black

In the clearest possible terms, the financial network surrounding Jeffrey Epstein was not an accident, an anomaly, or the work of a lone predator—it was a deliberately constructed ecosystem enabled by billionaires, institutions, and the largest bank in the United States. Figures like Les Wexner and Leon Black didn't just brush up against Epstein; they empowered him, legitimized him, and embedded him inside their financial worlds. Wexner gave Epstein unprecedented legal control over his empire through power-of-attorney arrangements and trust structures that effectively turned Epstein into the architect of Wexner's personal and philanthropic machinery. Black, for his part, funneled hundreds of millions of dollars to Epstein under the guise of “consulting,” using offshore pathways and fee structures so inexplicable that financial experts still can't reconcile the numbers. These weren't casual business relationships—they were pipelines, mechanisms, and conduits that allowed Epstein to scale his influence far beyond what any conventional résumé could justify.But none of Epstein's financial maneuvering would have been possible without JPMorgan Chase, whose private-banking division knowingly ignored internal warnings, suspicious activity reports, and staff concerns because Epstein delivered access to elite clients and deep-pocketed networks. The bank's compliance failures weren't accidental—they represented a strategic blindness, a willingness to override red flags in pursuit of profit and prestige. Taken together, Wexner's access, Black's money, and JPMorgan's infrastructure formed the backbone of Epstein's financial power. And that is precisely why Congress avoids digging into this side of the scandal: following the money wouldn't just expose Epstein—it would expose the machinery that enabled him, and the institutions that still shape American economic and political life today.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

After legal pressure mounted on Black for his close relationship with Epstein — including revelations that Black paid Epstein tens of millions of dollars for “tax and estate planning” even after Epstein's 2008 conviction — new lawsuits and investigations began to cast a wider net. Among those subpoenaed in a broad civil case against financial institutions linked to Epstein was Zuckerman, as part of efforts to trace the money trails and financial networks that may have funded or facilitated Epstein's enterprise. The inclusion of Zuckerman's name signaled a legal strategy aiming to pull in other wealthy associates and financiers who might have had business or financial exposure to Epstein — effectively broadening liability beyond Black.Black's own legal maneuvers complicated matters further. While he faced civil lawsuits (for alleged sexual misconduct) and regulatory scrutiny over his payments to Epstein, the broader legal actions — including suits against banks and other financial players — sought to implicate individuals like Zuckerman in chains of financial relationships tied to Epstein's operations. By doing this, Black's case became not just about his personal associations, but part of a larger legal attempt to map and hold accountable the network of affluent, high-profile individuals and institutions whose money may have indirectly supported Epstein's activities.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Settlement agreements reached with Jeffrey Epstein's estate included a little-noticed carveout that allowed some survivors to continue pursuing claims against powerful figures connected to Epstein, even after accepting compensation. These provisions weren't accidental; they were crafted to preserve the ability to target individuals believed to have played a role beyond Epstein himself. At least one survivor signaled plans to use that pathway to bring legal action against high-profile Wall Street executives Leon Black and Jes Staley, asserting that accountability should extend to those who enabled, protected, or benefitted from Epstein's operations.The existence of these carveouts shifted the landscape of post-Epstein litigation. Instead of closing the book on the case, the settlements effectively opened new fronts — placing influential financiers back under scrutiny and raising the possibility of additional lawsuits that could broaden public understanding of the network surrounding Epstein. It reflected a larger sentiment among survivors: Epstein may be gone, but the system that supported him was far from dismantled, and there remained unfinished business in pursuit of the truth.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

This week we bring you an episode from Question Everything, another KCRW podcast. Host Brian Reed brings together the reporters who know the Jeffrey Epstein case best – along with one of their Trump-supporting producers – for drinks and a candid, no-holds-barred conversation. They compare notes, challenge each other's assumptions, and reveal what it really takes to separate fact from rumor in a story that has tested the limits of journalism.It's one of the most provocative and confronting discussions Brian's ever hosted about power, accountability and what's at stake when the media goes up against billionaires and their networks.Check out the Question Everything Substack, by the way, where we get into juicy behind the scenes details and other good stuff from our episodes. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory.Drinking and fact-checking don't always go hand in hand, so clarifying and correcting a few statements from the conversation here – which honestly in themselves give a sense of just how many crannies of global power the tendrils of the Epstein story reach into. We reached out to Anouska De Georgiou to see if she wanted to comment, but we didn't hear back. Leslie Wexner is not the founder of Victoria's Secret – he bought the company in 1982, and he said Jeffrey Epstein had stolen $46 million from him, not $60 million. Meanwhile investor Leon Black paid Epstein $170 million for supposed tax advice – not $160 million. Virginia Giuffre sued Prince Andrew as an individual, not the Crown itself. Tara Palmeri's reporting that Elon Musk dm'd Virgina Giuffre saying Trump would release the files is based on Virginia telling her this – Tara didn't see the DM. At one point, Eric says that in 2015, Roger Stone called Epstein's island a “democrat orgy island.” Really, Stone wrote a book excoriating the Clintons called The Clinton's War on Women, and there's a chapter in there called Orgy Island, which highlights Bill Clinton's friendship with Epstein. So Roger Stone didn't call Epstein's island a democrat orgy island. Just “orgy island.” And last, but not least: the pope who was in a picture with Jeffrey Epstein, which was displayed on Epstein's credenza, was John Paul II.

A persistent misconception continues to circulate around the Epstein case: the belief that survivors have never identified individuals involved. In reality, numerous names have already been publicly stated in sworn testimony, court filings, and interviews. Among those named are former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, financier Glenn Dubin, scientist Marvin Minsky, billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner, investor Leon Black, Hyatt executive Thomas Pritzker, and Prince Andrew. These are not obscure figures; they are individuals of immense political and financial influence. Yet the public response has largely been silence, shaped by partisan distractions and misinformation that shifted attention away from real testimony in favor of viral conspiracy narratives. The issue is not that names have not been provided — it is that society has not acted on them.Survivors face intense pressure and legal intimidation when they come forward, including the threat of financially ruinous lawsuits from powerful defendants with vast legal resources, which has historically deterred additional testimony. This environment of fear has shielded the accused for decades, enabling them to operate without accountability. Many advocates and journalists have become increasingly vocal in rejecting that silence and calling for immediate action — demanding investigations, subpoenas, and legal consequences for the names already publicly identified. The question should no longer be, “Why aren't survivors naming names?” but rather, “Why are the named individuals not being investigated?” Until there is movement on the existing record, continued calls for additional names serve only as a distraction from the urgent need for accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Settlement agreements reached with Jeffrey Epstein's estate included a little-noticed carveout that allowed some survivors to continue pursuing claims against powerful figures connected to Epstein, even after accepting compensation. These provisions weren't accidental; they were crafted to preserve the ability to target individuals believed to have played a role beyond Epstein himself. At least one survivor signaled plans to use that pathway to bring legal action against high-profile Wall Street executives Leon Black and Jes Staley, asserting that accountability should extend to those who enabled, protected, or benefitted from Epstein's operations.The existence of these carveouts shifted the landscape of post-Epstein litigation. Instead of closing the book on the case, the settlements effectively opened new fronts — placing influential financiers back under scrutiny and raising the possibility of additional lawsuits that could broaden public understanding of the network surrounding Epstein. It reflected a larger sentiment among survivors: Epstein may be gone, but the system that supported him was far from dismantled, and there remained unfinished business in pursuit of the truth.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A persistent misconception continues to circulate around the Epstein case: the belief that survivors have never identified individuals involved. In reality, numerous names have already been publicly stated in sworn testimony, court filings, and interviews. Among those named are former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, financier Glenn Dubin, scientist Marvin Minsky, billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner, investor Leon Black, Hyatt executive Thomas Pritzker, and Prince Andrew. These are not obscure figures; they are individuals of immense political and financial influence. Yet the public response has largely been silence, shaped by partisan distractions and misinformation that shifted attention away from real testimony in favor of viral conspiracy narratives. The issue is not that names have not been provided — it is that society has not acted on them.Survivors face intense pressure and legal intimidation when they come forward, including the threat of financially ruinous lawsuits from powerful defendants with vast legal resources, which has historically deterred additional testimony. This environment of fear has shielded the accused for decades, enabling them to operate without accountability. Many advocates and journalists have become increasingly vocal in rejecting that silence and calling for immediate action — demanding investigations, subpoenas, and legal consequences for the names already publicly identified. The question should no longer be, “Why aren't survivors naming names?” but rather, “Why are the named individuals not being investigated?” Until there is movement on the existing record, continued calls for additional names serve only as a distraction from the urgent need for accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A persistent misconception continues to circulate around the Epstein case: the belief that survivors have never identified individuals involved. In reality, numerous names have already been publicly stated in sworn testimony, court filings, and interviews. Among those named are former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, financier Glenn Dubin, scientist Marvin Minsky, billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner, investor Leon Black, Hyatt executive Thomas Pritzker, and Prince Andrew. These are not obscure figures; they are individuals of immense political and financial influence. Yet the public response has largely been silence, shaped by partisan distractions and misinformation that shifted attention away from real testimony in favor of viral conspiracy narratives. The issue is not that names have not been provided — it is that society has not acted on them.Survivors face intense pressure and legal intimidation when they come forward, including the threat of financially ruinous lawsuits from powerful defendants with vast legal resources, which has historically deterred additional testimony. This environment of fear has shielded the accused for decades, enabling them to operate without accountability. Many advocates and journalists have become increasingly vocal in rejecting that silence and calling for immediate action — demanding investigations, subpoenas, and legal consequences for the names already publicly identified. The question should no longer be, “Why aren't survivors naming names?” but rather, “Why are the named individuals not being investigated?” Until there is movement on the existing record, continued calls for additional names serve only as a distraction from the urgent need for accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Jeffrey Epstein's finances were a labyrinth deliberately designed to defy transparency. Despite presenting himself as a billionaire money manager, there was never any verifiable evidence of major clients, traditional investment portfolios, or legitimate business operations. His primary company, Financial Trust Co., was registered in the Virgin Islands — a jurisdiction notorious for secrecy — and functioned more as a private shell than a real investment firm. Epstein's wealth seemed to appear out of thin air: properties worth hundreds of millions, private jets, an island compound, and a Manhattan mansion allegedly “gifted” to him under murky circumstances. Forensic accountants and federal investigators alike have repeatedly noted that his books were impenetrable, his paper trail incomplete, and his supposed “financial empire” more illusion than reality.Beneath that illusion, Epstein's fortune was a web of offshore accounts, shadow foundations, and undisclosed transfers tied to an elite network of billionaires, politicians, and institutions. Many of his most conspicuous assets were owned through opaque LLCs or layered trusts that obscured true ownership, allowing him to move money between jurisdictions without detection. His close ties to figures like Leslie Wexner and Leon Black raised deeper questions about whether Epstein's wealth came from management fees, blackmail leverage, or participation in illicit financial schemes. Even after his death, forensic efforts to trace his full financial structure have been hampered by missing records, sealed documents, and non-cooperative entities. To this day, Epstein's finances remain one of the most sophisticated examples of how power, secrecy, and corruption can blur the line between wealth and criminality.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

In the report dated January 22, 2021, Dechert reviewed over 60,000 documents and interviewed more than 20 witnesses to examine Black's social and business ties to Epstein, including payments, introductions, and services rendered. It concluded that there was no evidence that Black or his affiliates were involved in Epstein's criminal activities, or that Epstein introduced Black to any under-age woman. The document confirmed that Black engaged Epstein for tax, estate-planning, philanthropic and family-office advice between about 2012 and 2017 — with total payments around $158 million — and that their social relationship dated to the mid-1990s. It found that Black believed Epstein had served his sentence in 2008 and viewed engaging him as not “inappropriate,” though the report notes Black severed ties around fall 2018.The report also flagged red-flags: Epstein advised on a “proprietary” solution for a 2006 Grantor-Retained Annuity Trust (“GRAT”) that reportedly saved Black up to $1 billion+ in estate taxes, and a “step-up basis” transaction that may have saved about $600 million in future tax liability. The investigation found that Epstein's compensation “far exceeded” what Black paid his other professional advisors, and payments after 2013 were made on an ad-hoc basis without formal service agreements. While the report cleared Black of criminal wrongdoing, it raised significant questions about the nature of Epstein's advisory role and the scale/value of payments relative to documented services.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Jeffrey Epstein's finances were a labyrinth deliberately designed to defy transparency. Despite presenting himself as a billionaire money manager, there was never any verifiable evidence of major clients, traditional investment portfolios, or legitimate business operations. His primary company, Financial Trust Co., was registered in the Virgin Islands — a jurisdiction notorious for secrecy — and functioned more as a private shell than a real investment firm. Epstein's wealth seemed to appear out of thin air: properties worth hundreds of millions, private jets, an island compound, and a Manhattan mansion allegedly “gifted” to him under murky circumstances. Forensic accountants and federal investigators alike have repeatedly noted that his books were impenetrable, his paper trail incomplete, and his supposed “financial empire” more illusion than reality.Beneath that illusion, Epstein's fortune was a web of offshore accounts, shadow foundations, and undisclosed transfers tied to an elite network of billionaires, politicians, and institutions. Many of his most conspicuous assets were owned through opaque LLCs or layered trusts that obscured true ownership, allowing him to move money between jurisdictions without detection. His close ties to figures like Leslie Wexner and Leon Black raised deeper questions about whether Epstein's wealth came from management fees, blackmail leverage, or participation in illicit financial schemes. Even after his death, forensic efforts to trace his full financial structure have been hampered by missing records, sealed documents, and non-cooperative entities. To this day, Epstein's finances remain one of the most sophisticated examples of how power, secrecy, and corruption can blur the line between wealth and criminality.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

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.

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, 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.

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

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.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.

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-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/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.

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'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-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