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Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: 'I knew Jekyll. I didn't know Hyde'
By AP at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC)
· 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 San Francisco
The revelation that billionaire Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million raises questions about the due diligence of San Francisco 's wealthy elite. As a major hub for finance and investment, San Francisco is home to numerous high-net-worth individuals who often engage in complex financial dealings. The fact that Black, a prominent figure in the financial world, was deceived by Epstein's dual persona of "Jekyll and Hyde" suggests that even seasoned investors can be vulnerable to manipulation. This incident may prompt local investors and philanthropists to reexamine their relationships and financial transactions, particularly those involving large sums of money. The City and County of San Francisco's business community may also face increased scrutiny, as the public demands greater transparency and accountability from its wealthy and influential residents.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . The San Francisco 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 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) ·
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 News (KGO-TV, ABC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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