Published on: February 18, 2026, 06:57h.
Updated on: February 18, 2026, 07:00h.
- In 2013, Jeffrey Epstein enjoyed VIP privileges as a convicted sex offender in Las Vegas.
- Billionaire Leon Black is said to have partially financed the trip while his company had a stake in Caesars Entertainment.
- Epstein declined a backstage meet-and-greet with Rod Stewart due to a busy schedule.
Despite being a convicted offender and registered sex offender by 2008, Las Vegas embraced Jeffrey Epstein in 2013. His trip that August was filled with luxurious dining experiences, premium entertainment, and exclusive VIP access typical of the affluent, even after his notorious history became common knowledge.
Investigating thousands of files from the Department of Justice, the Las Vegas Review‑Journal discovered that Epstein—who died while in federal custody—had his assistant, Lesley Groff, arrange a lavish weekend for a group of 11 through a director at Caesars Entertainment.
The getaway featured six opulent suites along with a carefully crafted itinerary that included dining at Nobu, attending Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère at Treasure Island, and tickets to Rod Stewart’s show at Caesars Palace, plus eight passes to the DEF CON hacking convention at the Rio.
“This is a belated birthday gift!” Groff wrote in an email to the guest services director. “(Shhhhh 60)!!!”
According to the newspaper, Epstein declined a backstage opportunity to meet Rod Stewart—not out of lack of interest, but simply because he was too occupied.
Consistently building his network, Epstein also facilitated ticket access for acquaintances to various Vegas shows, including Celine Dion’s residency at Caesars Palace, Penn & Teller’s performance at the Rio, Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay, and David Copperfield’s magic show at the MGM Grand.
Leon Black Involved
Although billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management and a financial advisor to Epstein, could have easily covered the entire cost of the Las Vegas trip, records suggest he contributed to its expenses.
At that time, Apollo had a significant investment in Caesars Entertainment, and currently oversees the operations of the Venetian, Palazzo, and Venetian Expo. Black resigned from his positions, including CEO, in July 2021 following an investigation into his financial dealings with Epstein, according to the New York Times.
Black ’s ties to Epstein were widely known. He even penned a handwritten poem for Epstein’s 50th birthday commemorative book, which also carried tributes from Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. Black has stated that he does not recall financing Epstein’s Las Vegas trip.
Crime Overview
In July 2006, Epstein faced allegations in Florida for sexually assaulting multiple underage girls hired for massages. Two years later, he accepted a plea deal for soliciting prostitution and engaging in prostitution with a minor. He was sentenced to 18 months in the Palm Beach County Stockade but served only 13 months before being granted work release. This agreement mandated that he register as a sex offender and report regularly to law enforcement for life.
In July 2019, Epstein was indicted by a federal grand jury on fresh charges of sex trafficking minors and conspiracy related to sex trafficking. Shortly thereafter, he was found dead in his cell in Manhattan.