Who is Brad Wechsler and why does he appear in the Epstein files?

Brad Wechsler is an American businessman who co-acquired IMAX Corporation in 1994 and served as its chairman until 2021. Beginning in late 2014, he became CEO and Managing Partner of Elysium LLC, the family office of billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management. Wechsler appears extensively in the Epstein documents because Epstein had a well-documented financial relationship with Leon Black — Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for financial consulting. As the person running Black's family office, Wechsler was a key intermediary in business and financial discussions that involved Epstein.

What do Epstein's calendars reveal about his meetings with Brad Wechsler?

Epstein's appointment calendars from 2014 to 2016 show a pattern of regular, scheduled meetings with Wechsler. These include lunches with Leon Black and Wechsler together (e.g., January 2015), meetings at Apollo's offices at 9 West 57th Street, appointments at Elysium's offices at 445 Park Avenue, and multi-party conference calls. Several meetings included legal and financial professionals like Alan Halperin, Brad Karp, Pat Fenn, Rich Joslin, and Joe Avantario — suggesting these were substantive business sessions, not casual encounters.

What was the financial relationship between Epstein and Leon Black's family office?

According to the Dechert Report commissioned by Apollo Global Management, Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein a total of $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for financial and tax advisory services, despite Epstein being neither a licensed tax attorney nor a certified public accountant. Wechsler's Elysium LLC managed Black's family office during the latter portion of this period (from late 2014 onward). The Epstein documents show emails about asset restructuring — including Phaidon Press and art holdings with a combined basis of $96 million — that were sent to both Wechsler and Epstein's assistant Melanie Spinella, indicating Wechsler was directly involved in the financial planning that Epstein consulted on.

What is the connection between Brad Wechsler and IMAX Corporation in the Epstein documents?

While Wechsler was chairman of IMAX Corporation, his appearances in the Epstein files relate primarily to his role at Elysium LLC, Leon Black's family office — not to IMAX business. The IMAX connection appears in the documents because it was part of Wechsler's professional identity. Wechsler also sat on the board of Phaidon Press, a publishing company directly referenced in Epstein's financial restructuring emails, creating an additional link between his board activities and Epstein's advisory work.

Did anyone in the documents criticize Brad Wechsler's role?

Yes. One document contains a strongly worded critique in which the writer tells someone — likely Epstein — that they had 'consistently maintained since day one that he was highly unsuited for the job,' referring to Wechsler. The writer also notes that when they previously described someone as incompetent, they were admonished for 'speaking out of both sides of my mouth,' but insists there was 'never a both sides' regarding Wechsler. This suggests significant internal disagreements about Wechsler's competence in his financial management role.

Who is Brad Wechsler and why does he appear in the Epstein files?

Brad Wechsler is an American businessman who co-acquired IMAX Corporation in 1994 and served as its chairman until 2021. Beginning in late 2014, he became CEO and Managing Partner of Elysium LLC, the family office of billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management. Wechsler appears extensively in the Epstein documents because Epstein had a well-documented financial relationship with Leon Black — Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for financial consulting. As the person running Black's family office, Wechsler was a key intermediary in business and financial discussions that involved Epstein.

What do Epstein's calendars reveal about his meetings with Brad Wechsler?

Epstein's appointment calendars from 2014 to 2016 show a pattern of regular, scheduled meetings with Wechsler. These include lunches with Leon Black and Wechsler together (e.g., January 2015), meetings at Apollo's offices at 9 West 57th Street, appointments at Elysium's offices at 445 Park Avenue, and multi-party conference calls. Several meetings included legal and financial professionals like Alan Halperin, Brad Karp, Pat Fenn, Rich Joslin, and Joe Avantario — suggesting these were substantive business sessions, not casual encounters.

What was the financial relationship between Epstein and Leon Black's family office?

According to the Dechert Report commissioned by Apollo Global Management, Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein a total of $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for financial and tax advisory services, despite Epstein being neither a licensed tax attorney nor a certified public accountant. Wechsler's Elysium LLC managed Black's family office during the latter portion of this period (from late 2014 onward). The Epstein documents show emails about asset restructuring — including Phaidon Press and art holdings with a combined basis of $96 million — that were sent to both Wechsler and Epstein's assistant Melanie Spinella, indicating Wechsler was directly involved in the financial planning that Epstein consulted on.

What is the connection between Brad Wechsler and IMAX Corporation in the Epstein documents?

While Wechsler was chairman of IMAX Corporation, his appearances in the Epstein files relate primarily to his role at Elysium LLC, Leon Black's family office — not to IMAX business. The IMAX connection appears in the documents because it was part of Wechsler's professional identity. Wechsler also sat on the board of Phaidon Press, a publishing company directly referenced in Epstein's financial restructuring emails, creating an additional link between his board activities and Epstein's advisory work.

Did anyone in the documents criticize Brad Wechsler's role?

Yes. One document contains a strongly worded critique in which the writer tells someone — likely Epstein — that they had 'consistently maintained since day one that he was highly unsuited for the job,' referring to Wechsler. The writer also notes that when they previously described someone as incompetent, they were admonished for 'speaking out of both sides of my mouth,' but insists there was 'never a both sides' regarding Wechsler. This suggests significant internal disagreements about Wechsler's competence in his financial management role.

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Brad Wechsler

Person

Also known as:

Brad wechslerBrad Wechs

3,547

Total Mentions

3,454

Documents

1,484

Connected Entities

American business executive, former IMAX Corporation chairman and CEO, Managing Partner of Elysium LLC (Leon Black's family office)

Brad Wechsler was the CEO and Managing Partner of Elysium LLC, the family office of billionaire Leon Black, and appears extensively in Epstein's calendars, emails, and business records as a key financial advisor who regularly met with Epstein to discuss investment and estate matters.

Wechsler appears in the documents primarily through Epstein's detailed appointment calendars and direct email correspondence. The calendars show recurring in-person meetings at Elysium's offices at 445 Park Avenue, business lunches alongside Leon Black, and conference calls involving legal and financial professionals such as Richard Joslin, Joe Avantario, and John Castrucci. Epstein's emails reference Wechsler by name in discussions about asset restructuring, tax planning, and investment strategy. Additionally, Elysium's own internal records document outreach to Wechsler for investment discussions and social events, placing him squarely within Epstein's professional inner circle during 2014-2016.

Key Highlights

•Wechsler ran Elysium LLC, Leon Black's family office, and served as a direct point of contact for Epstein on financial and estate matters — emails show Epstein sent drafts about asset restructuring (Phaidon Press, art space, $96M combined basis) to both Wechsler and Melanie Spinella
•Epstein's calendars show frequent scheduled meetings with Wechsler throughout 2014-2016, including lunches with Leon Black, meetings at Apollo's offices at 9 West 57th Street, and sessions at Elysium at 445 Park Avenue
•An internal Elysium record notes that Paul Morris and Stew Oldfield took Wechsler to a Billy Joel concert as a 'social event' in January 2016, and subsequently initiated investment discussions — showing Epstein-linked associates actively cultivating the relationship
•One document contains a pointed critique of Wechsler, with the writer telling someone (likely Epstein) that they had 'consistently maintained since day one that he was highly unsuited for the job' — suggesting internal disagreements about Wechsler's role
•Wechsler also served on the board of Phaidon Press Ltd., an entity referenced in Epstein's asset restructuring emails, connecting his board role directly to Epstein's financial planning

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Document Mentions (20 of 3,454)

EFTA00823942.pdf

EFTA00823942

2 mentions

you send me the most recent cash flow? On Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 9:23 AM, Brad Wechsler Fyi, As discussed. Yvonne Berger I Executive Assistant to Mr. Wechsler I Elysium Management > wrote: EFTA00823942 please note The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client

From: "Jeffrey E." <[email protected]> To: Joe Avantario Subject: Fwd: Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2016 19:20:57 +0000 Forwarded message From: Brad Wechsler <1 Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 2:27 PM Subject: Re: To: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Joe-will forward Sent from my Verizon Wireless Bla

EFTA02660781.pdf

EFTA02660781

2 mentions

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 5:31 PM To: Brad Wechsler; Leon Black Subject: Re: can you email me the final version of all the rturns, separate from reasonable cause letter On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 10

lackBerry Cohen< From: &q=ot;jeffrey E." <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]» Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2017 08:52:10 -0500 To: </=>Brad Wechsler< < »; Barry J. >> Subjec=: how many years back did rowen =ile delinquent returns. 07 or 10 =br> please note The information contained in th

EFTA02378315.pdf

EFTA02378315

2 mentions

From: Sent: Friday, November 6, 2015 8:44 PM To: Jefffrey Epstein Subject: Brad Wechsler Please callBrad Wechsler Sent from my iPhone <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/Propert

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EFTA02512721.pdf

EFTA02512721

2 mentions

From: Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015 2:07 PM To: Jeffrey Epstein Subject: Brad Wechsler/Rich Joslin I have reed an email stating Brad Wechsler is available for a call =oday from 2:30 to end of the day. Would you like to schedule a call

EFTA02671194.pdf

EFTA02671194

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff < Sent: Friday, November 6, 2015 8:44 PM To: Jefffrey Epstein Subject: Brad Wechsler Please callBrad Wechsler Sent from my iPhone <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/Propert

EFTA00857146.pdf

EFTA00857146

2 mentions

From: Yvonne Berger To: ”[email protected]" <[email protected]> CC: Brad Wechsler Subject: Bios Date: Tue, 12 May 2015 13:30:05 +0000 Attachments: Fox_Andrew_2015_RES.pdf; Castrucci_John_63238-001_CVR.doc; David Westbrook CVR.p

astrucci and David Westbrook. I will forward you Robert Pritchards bio shortly. Thank you. Best, Yvonne Yvonne Berger / Executive Assistant to Mr. Wechsler IMAX Corporation / Ph: / Fax: / www.IMAX.com www.imax.com IMAX?) is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation. IMPORTANT NOTICE Information c

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EFTA02348528.pdf

EFTA02348528

2 mentions

To: Brad Wechsler< Subject: Brad, Jeffrey has informed me that yesterday he and Leon have agreed upon fees to be paid today. Yesterday afternoon Rich Joslin and I reviewed cash balances along with the most advantageous entities to pay fees to maximize deductions 1) 15,000,000 to Southern Trust Company,

nse. We have 501c3 letter however they are correct it does not show online on federal register. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Brad Wechsler < Date: October 12, 2015 at 5:25:33 PM EDT To: Richard Kahn < Cc: John Castrucci Subject: Re: Reply-To: Brad Wechsler Hi rich-we're going to st

EFTA02457451.pdf

EFTA02457451

2 mentions

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2016 2:09 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: interesting. cant tell if hands on.? does her resume say she was an irs agent? On Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 9:23 AM= Brad Wechsler > w

she was an irs agent? On Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 9:23 AM= Brad Wechsler > wrote: Fyi, As discussed. </=> Yvonne Ber=er I Executive Assistant to Mr. Wechsler I Elysium Managementab> 4=5 Park Avenue I Suite 1401 I New York, NY 10022=/u> EFTA_R1_01561271 EFTA02457451 please note The information cont

EFTA00823933.pdf

EFTA00823933

2 mentions

From: "Jeffrey E." <[email protected]> To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:08:53 +0000 interesting. cant tell if hands on.? does her resume say she was an irs agent? On Wed, Jul 13,

say she was an irs agent? On Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 9:23 AM, Brad Wechsler < > wrote: Fyi, As discussed. Yvonne Berger I Executive Assistant to Mr. Wechsler I Elysium Management 445 Park Avenue I Suite 1401 I New York. NY 10022 please note The information contained in this communication is confidentia

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EFTA02480859.pdf

EFTA02480859

2 mentions

[email protected]> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 5:56 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: meeting Elysium and yes On Friday, 20 November 2015, Brad=Wechsler Can we do it 12/2 where we can be done by 215? Your place is fine....or ely=ium. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Brad Wechsler • <j

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 5:56 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: meeting Elysium and yes On Friday, 20 November 2015, Brad=Wechsler Can we do it 12/2 where we can be done by 215? Your place is fin

EFTA02513287.pdf

EFTA02513287

2 mentions

[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 10:25 PM To: Melanie Spinella Subject: Fwd: i cant do this - Forwarded message From: Brad=Wechsler Date: Tue, Jan 27, 2015 at 4:41 PM Satject: Re: To: "[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> " [email protected] <mailto:jeevac

alan said no problem?? From: jeffrey E. [mailto:jeevacation@gmailcom <mailto:jeevacation@g=ail.com> I Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 03:21 PM To: Brad Wechsler; Melanie Spinella Subject: alan and i see it exactly the same way please note The information contained in this communication is confidential, ma

EFTA02481785.pdf

EFTA02481785

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 6:54 PM To: Jefffrey Epstein Subject: Brad Wechsler Wechsler on his cell...he will be in a meeting and try =o pick you up for sure. ?xml version=.0" encoding=TF-8"?> <IDOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple/

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EFTA02482548.pdf

EFTA02482548

2 mentions

EFTA00662391.pdf

EFTA00662391

2 mentions

tein ([email protected])" Subject: Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:25:28 +0000 MEMORANDUM TO: Melanie Spinella CC: John Castrucci Joe Avantario Rich Joslin Jeffrey Epstein FROM: Brad Wechsler DATE: January 28, 2016 Summary I. In 2015, based on 180 hours of usage, the plane costs you approximately $3.

t: Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:25:28 +0000 MEMORANDUM TO: Melanie Spinella CC: John Castrucci Joe Avantario Rich Joslin Jeffrey Epstein FROM: Brad Wechsler DATE: January 28, 2016 Summary I. In 2015, based on 180 hours of usage, the plane costs you approximately $3.4MM/yr (operating costs) with approx

EFTA00682625.pdf

EFTA00682625

2 mentions

From: MI=IMIEn To: Jeffrey Epstein <Ma Subject: Brad Wechsler Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:44:13 +0000 Please callBrad Wechsler (212) 821-0133 Sent from my iPhone EFTA00682625

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EFTA02511198.pdf

EFTA02511198

2 mentions

mail.com> Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 4:35 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: Better he alone today On Thursday, February 12, 2015, B=ad Wechsler ‹ » wrote: Any point in my joini=g you and rich j later. I think its not a bad idea so we all have the same=info. I'd have to join u a little late

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 4:35 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: Better he alone today On Thursday, February 12, 2015, B=ad Wechsler ‹ » wrote: Any point in my joini=g you and rich j later. I thin

EFTA02450486.pdf

EFTA02450486

2 mentions

6 PM To: 'Jeffrey E.' <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]= target.» Cc: Tom Turrin <mailto >; John Castrucci < <mailto >; Brad=Wechsler < <mailto > Subject: PHAIDON LLC Attached is the Phaidon LLC tax return=/p> Password to follow please note The information contained in this

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2016 3:52 AM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Fwd: PHAIDON LLC you should talk to Leon Forwarded message From: Richard Joslin <mailta=> > Date: Sun, Sep 11, 201= at 10:35 PM Su

EFTA02493363.pdf

EFTA02493363

2 mentions

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2015 8:52 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: do the numbers add correctly/? On Thu, Jul 23, 2015 at 4:50 PM, B=ad Wechsler > wrote: Their year (2015) ended 6/30/15. Next year

om> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2015 8:52 PM To: Brad Wechsler Subject: Re: do the numbers add correctly/? On Thu, Jul 23, 2015 at 4:50 PM, B=ad Wechsler > wrote: Their year (2015) ended 6/30/15. Next year (2016 budget) is 6/30/15.6/30/16= Hope that helps. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry F

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EFTA02660945.pdf

EFTA02660945

2 mentions

From: jeffrey E. <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 5:54 PM To: Brad Wechsler Cc: Tom Turrin; Leon Black; Barry Cohen Subject: Re: send all from 07 thnks On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 12:52 PM, < » wrote: </=> Tom-i know you

From: "Jeffrey E." «= href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">jeevacation@gmail=com> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2017 12:30:57 -0500 To: </=>Brad Wechsler< < >>; Leon Black<[email protected] < > > Subject: can you email me the final versio= of all the rturns, separate from reasonable cause letter

EFTA00285019.pdf

EFTA00285019

2 mentions

come to the house today at 10am to measure the DR Reminder to depart n7 via Delta#676 at 2:30pm arrive JFK 5:47pm (Rec. Loci 12:00pm Conf. Call w/Rich Joslin, Ada, Eileen, Rich D'Agostino, Larry Delson, Heather Gray. DIAL Eileen's Conference Room: Fit Nov. 14. 2014 LSJ Sat Nov. 15, 2014 LSJ 12:00pm EST

(a) 4:30pm Phone Date w/Daniel Sabba 5:15pm Appt w/Leon Botstein ) Thurs. Nov. 20, 2014 NY 8:30am Appt w/David Mitchell ) 9:30am Appt w 10:30am Brad Wechsler to call you 11:00am Appt w 12:10pm Appt we 12:30pm LUNCH w/Ehud 2:45pm-ish Appt w/Nathan Myhrvold ) 4:00pm Appt w/Eric Roth ) 6:00pm Appt w/Jes

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Connected Entities(20 of 1,484)

Jeffrey Epstein