Leon Black told Congress he was deceived by Jeffrey Epstein, the financier he hired as a personal adviser.
In prepared remarks, the Apollo Global Management co-founder denied paying Epstein for introductions to women.
Black faced questions about his decade-long financial relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The billionaire said he hired Epstein for legitimate tax and estate planning work between 2012 and 2017.
Black acknowledged paying Epstein $158 million over that period but insisted the payments were for professional services.
He told lawmakers Epstein misled him about his past and his activities, calling the arrangement a “mistake I deeply regret.”
The testimony comes amid ongoing congressional scrutiny of financial ties between Epstein and prominent figures.
Black stressed that his interactions with Epstein were strictly business-related and never involved any illegal activity.
The Apollo co-founder also noted that he cut ties with Epstein in 2017 after discovering his behavior.
