Washington — Billionaire investor Leon Black declined to appear for a sworn deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday and instead filed a lawsuit seeking to block the committee’s subpoenas. The subpoenas were issued as part of the committee’s probe into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Legal challenge to congressional authority
Black’s attorneys argue the two subpoenas exceed the committee’s authority. One subpoena demands production of nondisclosure agreements and related documents; the other compels Black to return for a deposition. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to declare the subpoens invalid and to prevent enforcement.
“The Committee is on a fishing expedition that oversteps its authority and completely ignores its responsibility,” said Susan Estrich, Black’s attorney, in a statement. “This is no longer about finding the truth about Epstein. It is about trying to destroy Mr. Black.”
Congressional leaders react
Both the Republican and Democratic leaders on the committee criticized the lawsuit and said they would discuss holding Black in contempt. House Oversight Chair James Comer called the filing “unacceptable” and noted it was the first time a powerful billionaire had sued the committee after an interview. Democratic top member Rep. Robert Garcia called the suit “laughable” and said the process of contempt must begin.
If the House adopts a contempt resolution, the matter would be referred to the Justice Department for a decision on possible criminal prosecution.
Background on Black’s ties to Epstein
Leon Black co‑founded and formerly led private‑equity firm Apollo Global Management, stepping down in 2021 amid scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein. A 2021 internal review found Black paid Epstein roughly $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for what the review described as “bona fide tax, estate‑planning and other related services.” Lawmakers have alleged the payments total $180 million.
Black is among several high‑profile individuals named in the ongoing investigation, which also includes former President Bill Clinton, former Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates. Documents released by the committee show Black’s name in birthday messages to Epstein, including a poem referencing “Blond, Red or Brunette, spread out geographically.”
Before his June appearance before the committee, Black maintained he was unaware of Epstein’s illegal conduct until 2019 and insisted the payments were for legitimate services tied to his extensive network of influential contacts.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
