In a series of fiery emails, Epstein piled on the pressure, demanding millions to keep his high-flying lifestyle intact and warning that Black’s kids and advisors were bungling the cash flow like a sitcom of the absurd.New York Times reported Epstein warned that Black’s financial advisors and “retarded” children had created a “really dangerous mess” by attempting to restrict the cash flow, according to the obtained emails. In a November 2-2015 email to the Apollo Global Management founder, Epstein said, “I never want to have any more uncomfortable money moments with you, I find it very distasteful.” Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were closely associated with Black, who employed Epstein as his wealth management advisor. Black paid Epstein over $150 million for services ranging from tax guidance to managing his art collection, even after Epstein was charged in 2004 for molesting a teenage girl, which resulted in his placement on the sex offender registry. By 2016, Black attempted to reduce the financial support to Epstein, leading to a barrage of demanding emails from Epstein. “So to be clear, my terms are as follows. I will only work for the usual 40 million per year. It needs to be paid, 25 million upon signing an agreement. 5 million every two months thereafter for six months, i.e., March, May, June. This can begin if I am able in January. I will immediately stop work if the payment is not received,” Epstein wrote. The emails illustrate the strong relationship between Epstein and Black, who were not only close friends but also business associates. Black, aged 74, continued to funnel millions in fees and loans to Epstein until Epstein’s arrest in 2019 for his decades-long sex trafficking schemes. Leon Black, chairman and chief executive officer of Apollo Global Management LLC, was eventually ousted from the company in 2021 due to his ties with Epstein, which dated back to 1990. Black has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s illicit activities. Susan Estrich, Black’s lawyer, stated that all payments were solely for legitimate tax and estate planning services, as confirmed by an independent law firm hired by Apollo. “To imply that Epstein somehow had influence over Black is false and patently absurd,” Estrich said. Despite Black’s assertions, one woman accused him of raping her in Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, although the case was later dropped. Another former girlfriend filed a lawsuit claiming sexual assault, which was dismissed after she received $9.5 million as part of a nondisclosure agreement following their six-year relationship. Additionally, Black allegedly wired hundreds of thousands of rupees to at least three women associated with Epstein for undisclosed reasons. Whit Clay, a spokesman for Black, emphasized that the billionaire “very much regrets” ever making payments to Epstein. The pressure campaign by Epstein appeared to have an effect, as Black continued the financial support until Epstein’s legal troubles escalated in 2019.
