Republican congressman Thomas Massie has publicly named billionaire Leon Black and illusionist David Copperfield as co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein, the accused sex trafficker, and is demanding a Department of Justice investigation. In a fiery House floor speech, Massie, who lost his primary, called for immediate action against Epstein's associates, citing the release of millions of Epstein files under the Epstein Transparency Act.
Massie's Accusations and Call for Justice
Massie, a Kentucky Republican, took to the House floor to "shame" the DOJ into investigating a group of Epstein's friends and associates. He identified Leon Black, a private equity investor who paid Epstein tens of millions in fees, and David Copperfield, the famous magician, as "perpetrators" of Epstein's crimes. Massie also highlighted that over three million Epstein files remain undisclosed, nearly a year after the Epstein Transparency Act was signed.
"The government continues to withhold over three million files," Massie stated. "That's why we've introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, to bring the fight to the state courts, accountability to the Department of Justice and closure for survivors." He added, "We want perpetrators of these crimes to be investigated and prosecuted."
Who Are the Named Co-Conspirators?
Leon Black: The Financier
Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, has faced scrutiny for his financial ties to Epstein. Black paid Epstein over $158 million for tax and estate planning, a relationship that has been under investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing but has faced civil lawsuits and calls for accountability.
David Copperfield: The Illusionist
David Copperfield, the world-famous magician, has been mentioned in Epstein-related documents, with allegations of involvement in Epstein's circle. Copperfield has not been charged with any crime, but Massie's accusation adds to the public pressure.
Key Details and Data
| Individual | Role | Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Leon Black | Financier | Paid Epstein millions; accused of co-conspiracy |
| David Copperfield | Illusionist | Named in Epstein files; accused of co-conspiracy |
| Thomas Massie | Congressman | Pushing for DOJ investigation |
Why This Matters
The Epstein case has been a focal point for transparency advocates. The Epstein Transparency Act, signed by Trump, led to the release of thousands of files, but many remain sealed. Massie's new bill aims to force state courts to release more documents, ensuring survivors get closure.
- Massie names Leon Black and David Copperfield as co-conspirators.
- Over 3 million Epstein files remain undisclosed.
- New legislation, Epstein Files Transparency Act II, seeks to compel release.
- DOJ faces pressure to investigate Epstein's associates.