According to sources familiar with the matter, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s long-term sexual abuse victims who received a settlement from his estate is now able to pursue separate claims against two former Wall Street executives connected to the convicted sex offender, namely Leon Black and James E. Staley. Richard Kahn, an executor of Epstein’s estate, revealed in a deposition that the victim’s settlement included a provision specifically addressing these individuals. This development highlights how Black and Staley continue to face scrutiny and potential liability due to their association with Epstein, even years after his death.
Kahn stated in the deposition that the unnamed woman may potentially sue Black and Staley for the harm she incurred, implying that she was also a victim of these individuals. It is unclear from the deposition whether other victims have pursued claims against them or what those specific claims might be.
In an effort to limit litigation against individuals associated with Epstein, his estate sought settlements that included carve-out provisions. Such provisions offer victims an exception to pursue other legal action beyond the scope of the settlement. Both Black and Staley had close ties to Epstein, with Black paying him a significant sum of $158 million for tax and estate planning services. These payments have drawn attention and scrutiny from the Senate Finance Committee.
Susan Estrich, a lawyer representing Black, responded to the leaked deposition testimony by dismissing it as baseless character assassination, emphasizing that no women have brought claims against Black. Lawyers for Staley did not provide a comment, and Kahn’s lawyer declined to speak on the matter.
The deposition from Kahn is part of a class-action lawsuit filed by Epstein’s victims against JPMorgan Chase and a related lawsuit by the U.S. Virgin Islands. The lawsuits allege that the bank overlooked Epstein’s trafficking activities due to his wealth and influential connections. Although JPMorgan agreed to a $290 million settlement for the class-action lawsuit, it continues to contest the Virgin Islands’ lawsuit seeking $190 million in damages. JPMorgan also implicates Staley in the lawsuit and argues that he could be held liable for damages. The bank claims that it relied on Staley’s assurances that Epstein had moved on from his previous misconduct.
An internal review of Staley’s company emails conducted by JPMorgan after Epstein’s arrest found sexually suggestive correspondence between the two men. Staley’s lawyers argue that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking activities and maintains his innocence.
In 2021, Black resigned from his positions as chairman and CEO of Apollo Global Management due to his ties to Epstein. He also quietly agreed to pay $62.5 million to the Virgin Islands to preempt a potential lawsuit alleging that his payments to Epstein financed the sex trafficking operation in the territory.
Black currently faces lawsuits from two other women who claim he raped them approximately two decades ago at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse. Estrich dismisses these allegations as false and baseless.
Lawyers representing Epstein’s victims estimate that he sexually abused hundreds of teenage girls and young women over a span of two decades. So far, over 125 women have received settlement payments totaling $153 million from either Epstein’s estate restitution fund or through direct negotiations with the estate.
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