Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 3
Leon Black Defies House Subpoena, Sues to Block Epstein Inquiry Over $158 Million Payments
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 3

Leon Black Defies House Subpoena, Sues to Block Epstein Inquiry Over $158 Million Payments

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 3

Summary

  • Leon Black skipped a House Oversight Committee appearance on Thursday and sued to block a subpoena tied to the panel’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • The subpoena sought testimony and nondisclosure agreements about Black’s dealings with Epstein, but Black argues the committee is demanding information unrelated to its stated probe.
  • June testimony had already broken down when Black walked out after questions about those NDAs; he has said he learned of Epstein’s “nefarious activity” only after 2019 charges.
  • James Comer called the lawsuit “totally unexpected” and said the committee may vote to hold Black in contempt of Congress, a step top Democrat Robert Garcia also backed.
  • Black paid Epstein $158 million for financial services from 2012 to 2017 and denies wrongdoing, as lawmakers press to map Epstein’s network and secrecy arrangements.

Insights

Could a billionaire's desperate legal gamble redefine congressional power limits and permanently bury the truth behind secret settlements?
What explosive secrets are hidden in the NDAs that a billionaire would risk congressional contempt to keep buried?