Overview
- Black voluntarily sat for a closed-door transcribed interview on Friday and delivered prepared remarks denying sexual misconduct, denying he was blackmailed, and saying Epstein "duped" him of more than $60 million.
- A 2021 Dechert review for Apollo found Black paid about $158 million to Epstein from 2012 to 2017 for tax and estate work while Senate investigators have cited figures as high as $170 million.
- The Justice Department’s release of millions of Epstein-related records has put Black under fresh scrutiny by naming him repeatedly and surfacing emails that lawmakers say need fuller explanation.
- Separately, Black paid a $62.5 million settlement to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2023 acknowledging Epstein used funds to help run operations on his private island, and several civil suits alleging abuse tied to Epstein remain in various stages.
- Investigators led by Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. James Comer say the transcript and further document releases will shape next steps and could lead to new congressional or legal actions.