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Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: 'I knew Jekyll. I didn't know Hyde'
By AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK)
· 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 Magnolia News
The revelation that billionaire investor Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million during their yearslong relationship raises questions about the potential local implications of such high-stakes financial dealings. As a community within the Houston area, Magnolia residents may wonder if any of these transactions had connections to local businesses or investments. The fact that Black, a prominent figure, was deceived by Epstein's dual persona of "Jekyll and Hyde" suggests that even those with significant resources and influence can be vulnerable to manipulation. This case may prompt local financial advisors and investors to reexamine their own relationships and dealings, considering the potential for hidden risks or unethical practices. As the story unfolds, Magnolia residents will be watching to see if any local connections to Epstein's activities are uncovered, and how the community's business leaders respond to the fallout from these revelations.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK) . Magnolia News 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 ABC13 Houston (KTRK) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK) ·
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 ABC13 Houston (KTRK) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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