By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a significant development for the ongoing litigation surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s financial network, a federal judge has ruled that billionaire financier Leon Black must provide sworn testimony. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff set the date for the Apollo Global Management co-founder’s deposition, which is now scheduled for March 26, 2026.
The deposition is part of a proposed class-action lawsuit, Doe v. Bank of America NA, brought by women who allege that Bank of America facilitated Epstein’s sex-trafficking venture by ignoring years of suspicious financial activity.
The “Critical Witness”
Victims’ attorneys, including Sigrid McCawley, have labeled Black a “critical witness” in the case against the nation’s second-largest bank.
- The $170 Million Transfers: The lawsuit alleges that Black transferred approximately $170 million to Epstein through Bank of America accounts between 2012 and 2017.
- The Funding Allegation: Plaintiffs claim these massive transfers were the “primary means” by which Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation was funded, arguing the payments lacked any legitimate business purpose.
- The “Blind Eye” Argument: Judge Rakoff recently allowed the suit to proceed, noting that the complaint “plausibly asserts” that Bank of America turned a blind eye to Epstein’s misconduct despite widespread public reports and internal red flags.
Black’s Defense and Legal Maneuvers
Leon Black is not a defendant in this specific lawsuit and has never been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.
- Settlement Rumors: During the Wednesday hearing, Black’s attorney, Michael Carlinsky, requested a delay in the deposition, suggesting that the parties might be close to a settlement that would make Black’s testimony unnecessary.
- Denied Wrongdoing: Black has consistently maintained that the payments to Epstein—reported by some investigations to be as high as $158 million to $170 million—were exclusively for sophisticated tax and estate planning advice that saved his family over $1.3 billion.
- The Deposition Format: Judge Rakoff granted a brief delay but ordered that the deposition go forward on March 26. It will be a non-public session, consisting of five hours of questioning by victims’ lawyers and three hours by Bank of America’s legal team.
Broader Context: The “Epstein Files Transparency Act”
The push to depose Black comes amidst a broader wave of disclosures triggered by the Epstein Files Transparency Act of 2025.
- Accountant Deposition: On the same day Black’s deposition was discussed, Epstein’s longtime accountant, Richard Kahn, was deposed behind closed doors by the House Oversight Committee. Kahn reportedly provided lawmakers with a detailed map of how Epstein acquired his wealth from figures like Black, Les Wexner, and Glenn Dubin.
- Previous Settlements: The Bank of America suit follows the precedents of JPMorgan Chase, which paid $290 million to settle similar claims in 2023, and Deutsche Bank, which settled for $75 million.
What’s Next?
The trial for Doe v. Bank of America is currently scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026. Judge Rakoff is expected to rule shortly on whether the case can officially proceed as a class action, which could potentially represent hundreds of victims.