House Panel Backs Contempt for Leon Black in Epstein Inquiry

The House Oversight Committee unanimously voted on September 15 to recommend holding billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The 410-0 vote advances a contempt resolution to the full House, which must decide whether to refer the matter to the Justice Department for potential prosecution. Black, the co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, was subpoenaed to provide a deposition on September 3 and to produce nondisclosure agreements connected to Epstein. According to the committee, he did not appear for the deposition and has submitted only one NDA. Chairman James Comer stated that Black is legally required to comply and is "hiding behind litigation to delay having to provide answers to the American people." Black's legal team filed a lawsuit arguing the subpoenas are invalid, claiming they seek private information with no legitimate legislative purpose and threaten the privacy of women connected to Epstein. His attorney, Susan Estrich, accused the committee of a "fishing expedition" aimed at destroying Black. The case is ongoing in federal court.