Leon Black, the billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, firmly stated to the House Oversight Committee that he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities during their financial dealings, despite paying the convicted sex offender tens of millions of dollars. In his opening statement, which was obtained by POLITICO, Black expressed frustration over the accusations against him, condemning them as "baseless speculation" and "ugly and vicious narratives."

During the hearing, which took place on Friday, Black faced a skeptical group of lawmakers. House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), considered the session potentially groundbreaking in the ongoing investigation into Epstein's associations. Comer also revealed suspicions regarding nondisclosure agreements Black supposedly signed with some of Epstein's victims.

Although Black acknowledged Epstein's 2008 sex crime conviction, he noted that Epstein had described it as an isolated incident due to a fake ID. "Five years after his conviction, I gave Epstein a second chance, as did many others," Black said, expressing regret over the decision.

Black detailed his 18-year acquaintance with Epstein, which began professionally in 2013 for tax and estate planning services. He described seeing Epstein in the company of influential figures such as former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and then-White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler, which lent a veneer of legitimacy to Epstein’s post-conviction career. Both Clinton and Gates have already discussed their connections with Epstein in talks with Oversight investigators, and Ruemmler is scheduled for an interview in July.

The relationship between Black and Epstein ended in 2018, with Black citing Epstein's incessant financial demands and deceit as the reasons. "I grew tired of his relentless pursuit of more and more money from me for professional services, his mistruths and misrepresentations... and his failure to repay most of a $30 million demand loan that I had made to him," Black explained.

Black also addressed allegations of sexual misconduct against him, which have surfaced in recent litigation. He dismissed these claims as "demonstrably baseless" and "entirely fabricated," pointing to a recent judicial finding that the law firm representing his accusers had engaged in serious misconduct, although the case is still proceeding.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, underscored the gravity of the allegations against Black, emphasizing the testimonies from survivors.

As the committee continues its investigation, the testimonies of high-profile individuals linked to Epstein will likely shed further light on the breadth of his network and influence, raising critical questions about accountability and oversight in powerful circles.