Senator Presses IRS Over Leon Black’s Epstein Payments: MoMA Trustee Under Scrutiny

Leon Black, a name long associated with the world of high finance and modern art, is once again facing tough questions about his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, known for his philanthropy and art collection, remains a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York—though his continued presence on the board is now the subject of intense public scrutiny.

The controversy centers on payments Black made to Epstein totaling at least $158 million between 2012 and 2017, for what was described as “tax and estate planning advice.” These payments came years after Epstein’s criminal conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The revelations have reignited debate over the responsibilities of wealthy individuals and the institutions that they help lead.

Senator Wyden Demands IRS Probe

Late last month, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon stepped into the fray, sending a pointed letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In his communication, Wyden accused the agency of failing to properly audit “suspicious transactions” involving Epstein’s services, and questioned why Black’s payments had not been thoroughly reviewed. “When Americans think the system is rigged, this is the kind of abuse they think about,” Wyden wrote, emphasizing the perceived double standard between average taxpayers and billionaires.

Wyden’s letter, dated July 31, underscored that while ordinary Americans are regularly audited, high-net-worth individuals like Black appear to evade similar scrutiny. He cited the case of Black’s payments to Epstein, which far exceeded the fees paid to other advisors with formal credentials in tax law or accounting. Wyden’s staff found that Black’s annual payments averaged $34 million—double the median compensation for a Fortune 500 CEO.

Unusual Payments and Lack of Oversight

The senator’s concerns stem not only from the sheer size of the payments, but also from their informal nature. The majority of Black’s transactions with Epstein were conducted without a formal contract, raising questions about oversight and legitimacy. Epstein, notably, lacked professional training in accounting or tax law, yet managed to secure business from prominent figures like Black and Glenn Dubin, another MoMA trustee.

Wyden’s investigation suggested that Epstein’s role went beyond ordinary consulting, helping Black avoid paying large taxes on high-value art sales—including a reported $25 million sculpture by Alberto Giacometti. The senator argued that such arrangements should have prompted rigorous IRS audits, especially given Epstein’s criminal record and the sums involved.

Institutional Response and Public Reaction

In response to mounting pressure, Apollo Global Management commissioned an independent investigation into Black’s dealings with Epstein. The review found no evidence that Black was involved in or aware of Epstein’s criminal activity, and concluded that all payments were for legitimate services, approved by outside law firms.

Despite this internal clearance, Black’s public standing has suffered. In 2021, after more than 150 artists signed an open letter demanding his removal as chair of MoMA’s board, Black chose not to seek re-election for the position. Nevertheless, he remains a trustee, alongside other figures who have faced scrutiny over their Epstein connections.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Black told The Art Newspaper that the independent review had found no wrongdoing, and stressed that the fees paid were for “legitimate tax, estate and philanthropy planning services.” MoMA itself did not respond to requests for comment, and Senator Wyden’s office has not provided further updates.

Broader Questions About Accountability

The case raises broader questions about the intersection of wealth, influence, and accountability. Epstein’s ability to attract mega-wealthy clients for complex financial transactions, despite his lack of credentials and criminal record, points to a system where personal connections can override conventional safeguards.

For many observers, the controversy is not just about one man’s business decisions, but about the mechanisms that allow such arrangements to persist. As Wyden put it, “It is unthinkable that transactions amounting to tens of millions of dollars paid to a known criminal for the purpose of helping a mega-wealthy individual dodge billions in taxes were never audited or investigated.”

With the IRS now under public pressure to account for its oversight, the unfolding story may have implications for how financial dealings among the ultra-wealthy are scrutinized in the future.

While investigations have cleared Leon Black of direct involvement in criminal activity, the sheer scale and informality of his payments to Epstein highlight persistent gaps in oversight. The case underscores the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability among those who wield significant financial power.