Washington — Leon Black, co‑founder of Apollo Global Management, declined to appear for a sworn deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday and instead filed a federal lawsuit demanding that the subpoenas issued in the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein be invalidated.
Legal challenge targets congressional authority
Black’s attorneys argue that the two subpoenas – one demanding production of nondisclosure agreements and related documents, the other compelling him to return for a deposition – go beyond any legitimate legislative purpose. The complaint asserts the committee is conducting a “fishing expedition” that seeks private information unrelated to Epstein or any lawful oversight function.
“The Committee is overstepping its authority and ignoring its responsibility,” said Susan Estrich, Black’s counsel, in a statement. “This is no longer about finding the truth about Epstein. It is about trying to destroy Mr. Black.”
Congressional response
Republican members of the Oversight Committee have defended the subpoenas as part of a broader effort to uncover the network of wealth and influence surrounding Epstein. Democratic top aide Rep. Robert Garcia, who leads the committee, warned that Black’s refusal to testify constitutes contempt of Congress and called for immediate action.
“By refusing to testify today, Leon Black is defying two congressional subpoenas,” Garcia said. “We must hold him in contempt immediately.”
Background on Black’s ties to Epstein
Black stepped down as Apollo’s chief executive in 2021 after reports surfaced about his financial relationship with Epstein. The billionaire has maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s illegal activities until 2019 and that any payments made were for legitimate services tied to his extensive network of influential contacts.
Documents released by the Justice Department and the House committee have repeatedly mentioned Black, including a collection of birthday messages sent to Epstein that featured a poem attributed to Black describing “Blond, Red or Brunette, spread out geographically.” Other high‑profile figures who have testified or been subpoenaed in the probe include former President Bill Clinton, former Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates.
Potential implications
If the court sides with Black, it could set a precedent limiting congressional investigative powers in cases where the relevance of personal documents is disputed. Conversely, a ruling upholding the subpoenas would reinforce the committee’s ability to compel testimony and documents from private individuals tied to high‑profile investigations.
The lawsuit is expected to be heard in federal court within the next few weeks, and both sides have indicated they will vigorously defend their positions.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
