Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black could be deposed in a civil lawsuit against Bank of America over alleged facilitation of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, court records showed Wednesday 1. The development adds another layer of legal complexity for both the private equity billionaire and the nation’s second-largest bank as they face scrutiny over their connections to the convicted sex offender.
Key Takeaways
- Black deposition scheduled for Monday March 16
- Bank of America accused of ignoring suspicious Epstein payments
- Trial set for May 11 in class action lawsuit
Legal Proceedings Advance
U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff scheduled a hearing for Wednesday at 3 p.m. EDT “concerning the upcoming deposition of Leon Black,” according to court filings 2. Legal representatives for the accusers confirmed Black’s deposition is currently scheduled for Monday March 16 3.
The lawsuit alleges Bank of America (BAC) ignored suspicious payments by Black to Epstein and facilitated abuse through its banking services. Rakoff ruled last month that accusations the bank “recklessly disregarded” information about Epstein’s sex trafficking were sufficient to let the proposed class action proceed 4.
Background on Black’s Epstein Ties
Black stepped down as Apollo’s chief executive in 2021 after an external review found he paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning services between 2012 and 2017 4. The billionaire has consistently denied wrongdoing and said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
A spokesman for Black declined to comment on the deposition news. Bank of America also declined comment but has previously said the plaintiff “at best” alleged it banked high net-worth clients affiliated with Epstein without showing intentional obstruction of law enforcement 4.
Broader Epstein Banking Settlements
The case follows significant settlements with other major banks over their Epstein connections. In 2023, lawyers for accusers reached a $290 million settlement with JPMorgan Chase and a $75 million agreement with Deutsche Bank, though neither institution admitted wrongdoing 4.
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
Market Impact and Timeline
Bank of America shares showed minimal reaction to the news, trading within normal ranges as investors await the May 11 trial date. The bank’s stock has underperformed the KBW Bank Index by roughly 2% over the past month as legal uncertainties persist.
The deposition represents a significant escalation in the legal proceedings, potentially providing accusers with direct testimony about the financial relationships that allegedly enabled Epstein’s criminal enterprise.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1Reuters (March 11, 2026). “Leon Black could be deposed in Epstein accusers’ lawsuit against Bank of America, judge says”. Yahoo News. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
2Luc Cohen, Reuters (March 11, 2026). “Leon Black could be deposed in Epstein accusers’ lawsuit against Bank of America, judge says”. The Journal Record. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
3“Leon Black deposition in Epstein accusers’ civil suit against Bank of America is currently scheduled for Monday March 16 – lawyer for accusers”. MarketScreener. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
4“Judge: Epstein Accusers May Depose Leon Black in BofA Suit”. Newsmax. Retrieved March 11, 2026.