House Panel Backs Contempt Charge Against Leon Black in Epstein Inquiry

The House Oversight Committee voted on Tuesday to recommend that billionaire financier Leon Black be held in contempt of Congress, after he declined to comply with a subpoena for testimony in the chamber's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

The vote was unanimous, with Republicans and Democrats joining forces. The bipartisan support reflected frustration over Black's decision not to appear for a sworn deposition this month and his failure to produce requested nondisclosure agreements. Black has filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to block the subpoenas, arguing that the committee exceeded its authority.

Representative James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the committee, said Black was "hiding behind litigation to delay having to provide answers to the American people." He added: "No one is above the law. We have no choice but to hold him in contempt."

The panel's ranking Democrat, Representative Robert Garcia of California, called Black's conduct "unacceptable" and said the committee would stand up to remind people that "subpoenas are not suggestions."

The contempt recommendation now moves to the full House for a vote. If approved, the finding would be sent to the Justice Department, which could pursue prosecution. However, the House is scheduled to recess later this week until after the November midterm elections, leaving the timing of any next steps uncertain.

Black's attorney said earlier this month that the committee is "on a fishing expedition." The lawsuit contends that the panel overstepped its authority in issuing the subpoenas.

The Epstein investigation has become one of the defining efforts of this Congress, marked by rare bipartisan cooperation. Survivors of Epstein's alleged sexual abuse have testified about being young women caught in a trafficking operation organized by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Black, a co-founder of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management, stepped down in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein. Lawmakers have alleged that he paid Epstein $180 million over the course of their relationship.

In June, Black appeared for a voluntary interview with the committee. Lawmakers later said he refused to answer questions about the nondisclosure agreements. The committee then issued two subpoenas seeking the NDAs and his appearance for a deposition on July 16. According to the committee, it accommodated Black's request to delay the deposition to September 3, but he still did not appear.

Black is among several prominent figures, including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, who have been asked to appear as part of the probe. Lawmakers said on Tuesday that Black's testimony would be crucial to their investigation and to their recommendations going forward. Comer described testimony from Black about Epstein and Maxwell as "invaluable." Garcia said hearing directly from Black would help the committee understand the role of big banks in trafficking enterprises as it examines how the legal and law enforcement systems can better protect victims.