The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he defied two subpoenas connected to the probe into disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The measure, adopted by unanimous consent, will be referred to the Justice Department to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Panel Chairman Jamie Comer emphasized the seriousness of the action, stating, “No one is above the law. Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the US House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress.” He added that the committee remains committed to seeking transparency for the public and justice for survivors regarding the federal government’s handling of the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases.
The decision follows a recommendation by the House Oversight Committee, which voted unanimously in favor of the contempt resolution the day prior. Black was summoned for a deposition in September but failed to appear and did not fully comply with a separate subpoena demanding nondisclosure agreements.
Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, previously appeared voluntarily before the committee in June. During that session, he acknowledged paying Epstein $158 million for tax and estate-planning services. However, the interview concluded prematurely when Black refused to answer questions concerning certain nondisclosure agreements, leading lawmakers to demand additional testimony and documents.
Attorneys for Black have criticized the House action as “outrageous,” alleging that lawmakers rushed the process. They intend to continue their legal challenge against the subpoenas. Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to sex trafficking minors. The case has continued to generate scrutiny in Washington, prompting lawmakers to pursue records and testimony from various prominent business and political figures linked to the financier.
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