House Holds Leon Black in Contempt Over 2 Epstein Probe Subpoenas

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Sep 16

A unanimous House vote on Wednesday found Leon Black in contempt of Congress and referred the matter to the U.S. attorney in Washington for possible prosecution.
The action followed a 41-0 Oversight Committee recommendation after Black refused to appear for a Sept. 3 deposition and to fully comply with subpoenas for testimony and Epstein-related nondisclosure agreements.
Black's lawyers called the contempt vote retaliation and an outrageous step, arguing his lawsuit challenging the subpoenas and an ethics complaint against Chairman James Comer were ignored.
The subpoenas grew out of a late-June closed-door interview that ended early when lawmakers said Black was not forthcoming; Democrats said they want details on what he knew about Epstein's inner circle and finances.
Black, who left Apollo in 2021 after a review found he paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate advice from 2012 to 2017, denies wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's crimes.