Leon Black and More: Some Become Targets, Odds Lousy for Reputation Rehab

 In the long-going fallout from association with Jeffrey Epstein, some in the loop have been receiving more scrutiny than others. 

For example, why are Apollo co-founder Leon Black and Goldman Sachs top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler going to testify about the relationship in April before the House Oversight Committee? Where are the many others who orbited in Epstein's world of wealth, influence and power? 

Today, again the spotlight has been put on Black and more in legacy media. The New York Times published a very long detailed article in which the primary subject was this: an allegation, based on financial documents and emails, that Epstein served as the middleman for Black's payments to women. Here is a snippet:

"Mr. Black paid about $20 million to a dozen women, at least some of whom he’d had sexual relationships with ... Mr. Epstein was involved in figuring out ways to dispense a significant portion of that money."

Black's current lawyers Courtney Forrest and Susan Estrich take issue with this.

Part of this intensified scrutiny could be to re-position the issues as involving legalities. Not just violations of social norms. It is Democrat Senator Ron Wyden who's pursuing that angle. The Times article noted that Wyden sent a letter to Black indicating that "Intentionally disguising payments for professional services as charitable contributions to claim a tax deduction would constitute tax fraud."

In addition, in the Times coverage of the always-clickbait topic of illicit sexual relations among the privileged the spotlight is turned on again on Back's former lawyer Brad Karp, a partner at Paul, Weiss. That includes a huge photo. Why? Is there a "Get Karp" collective consciousness? Did his outsized success generate outsized human resentment?

Karp's dealings with both Black and with Epstein have already been featured in enormous detail in myriad media venues. The guy stepped down from his chairmanship role at the law firm. 

Up until this long-winded coverage, Karp seemed to have a shot at full reputational rehab. Just lay low. Clients in his nine-figure book of business have stuck with him the lawyer. With his contract up in May 2028, he had a shot at a fresh start. Maybe not so much now. 

Brought back, for example, is his agreeing to call in investigators from Nardello & Co. That kind of strategy by famous lawyer David Boies in representing Harvey Epstein delivered a heavy branding blow. Only recently is Boies back.

Overall, for one-time movers and shakers across the world Epsteinism has evolved into their career Black Swan. The disruption was unexpected and profound in scope. But in that the playing field has not been level. 

So, as a coach advising clients how to not become targets I have the ambitious look at this: Why do some, like osteopath Steven Ward  in the UK Profumo scandal, receive the brunt of society's punishment? Blame will always be inflicted. How can you ensure you won't be in that force field? 

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.


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