The US House of Representatives has voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he failed to comply with a subpoena linked to the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Black, who had business ties with Epstein, was ordered to appear before the House Oversight Committee earlier this month and provide documents related to their dealings. The measure passed by unanimous consent and will now be referred to the US Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue criminal prosecution.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the vote was necessary to ensure accountability. “No-one is above the law,” Comer said, adding that the committee would continue seeking transparency for the public and justice for Epstein’s survivors.
The committee’s top Democrat, Robert Garcia, described the vote as an important step towards accountability. He also said lawmakers would continue focusing on survivors. Black’s lawyers, however, condemned the decision as “outrageous”. They argued that the House had ignored ongoing litigation challenging the legality of the committee’s actions. That, alongside an ethics complaint against Comer.
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The dispute stems from Black’s voluntary testimony before the committee in June. Lawmakers said he left the hearing after being questioned about non-disclosure agreements he may have signed.
The subsequent subpoenas required Black to provide copies of those agreements and give an on-camera deposition under oath.
Black co-founded equity firm Apollo Global Management but left the company in 2021 amid scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. He has since denied wrongdoing in connection with their dealings.
