Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he defied legal summons tied to the ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Black, who previously co-founded Apollo Global Management, failed to appear before the House Oversight Committee or provide requested documents earlier this month. In response to his noncompliance, the committee issued subpoenas ordering him to hand over nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and submit to an on-camera deposition under oath.
The contempt vote refers the case to the US Department of Justice, which will now determine whether to pursue criminal prosecution against the financier. Black has mounted a legal challenge against the subpoenas.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized the seriousness of the action in a statement following the vote. “No one is above the law,” Comer said. “We will continue to seek transparency for the American people and justice for survivors.”
Robert Garcia, the committee’s senior Democrat, also weighed in, describing the vote as “an important step towards justice and accountability.” He added that the committee remains committed to centering survivors in their efforts to hold those responsible for the crimes accountable.
The confrontation began in June when Black walked out of a voluntary testimony session after being questioned about potential NDAs he may have signed in relation to Epstein. Black has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his dealings with the late financier.
His departure from Apollo Global Management occurred in 2021 amid increased scrutiny over his connections to Epstein.
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