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Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: 'I knew Jekyll. I didn't know Hyde'
By AP at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Billionaire investor Leon Black said Friday that Jeffrey Epstein deceived him during a yearslong relationship in which he paid the disgraced financier $158 million.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The revelation that billionaire Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million raises questions about the due diligence of Los Angeles ' wealthy elite. As a major hub for finance and investment, Los Angeles is home to numerous high-net-worth individuals who often engage in lucrative business deals. The fact that Black, a prominent figure in the financial world, was allegedly deceived by Epstein's charming persona highlights the potential risks of such relationships. This case also sparks concern about the potential for similar situations in Los Angeles, where wealthy individuals may be vulnerable to exploitation by charismatic con artists. The city's business community will likely be watching this situation closely, as it may have implications for how investors and financiers vet their associates and protect their assets.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Billionaire investor Leon Black said Friday that Jeffrey Epstein deceived him during a yearslong relationship in which he paid the disgraced financier $158 million.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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