Leon Black, founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, has filed a lawsuit against the House Oversight Committee. The committee is investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black chose legal action instead of testifying under subpoena, accusing the committee of overstepping its authority. He labeled the inquiry a “public fishing expedition,” suggesting its members are pursuing political gains.
The committee’s chairman, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., expressed disapproval of Black’s lawsuit, stating it was “unacceptable.” Comer and the panel are considering holding Black in contempt. Black is considered a significant witness due to his extensive appearances in the Justice Department’s Epstein files, which does not imply criminal activity.
Black’s federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the committee should have a “legitimate legislative purpose.” He asserts they have exceeded their limits. Previously, Black spoke to the committee and ended a voluntary appearance over concerns about nondisclosure agreements. He now refuses to comply with subpoenas demanding any nondisclosure agreements he might have signed.
Black states he has already provided the only confidentiality agreement involving Epstein executed while Epstein was alive. Producing further NDAs, Black argues, would expose the identities and circumstances of women who negotiated for privacy.
Black maintains his ignorance of Epstein’s criminal acts. An independent Apollo investigation concluded Black paid Epstein $158 million legitimately for tax and estate planning services. Despite Black’s cooperation in June, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calf., advocates for holding Black in contempt over disobedience to congressional subpoenas. Garcia also referenced allegations against Black related to Epstein’s activities.
In his lawsuit, Black reiterated his denial of any misconduct involving women or Epstein, asserting he never paid Epstein for inappropriate access, nor was he blackmailed.
The House committee has already interviewed notable figures such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Bill Gates, Les Wexner, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Epstein’s accountant Richard Kahn, and attorney Darren Indyke. Kahn testified Black was among “five clients who paid money to Epstein.” Among them were Wexner, former Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky, investor Glenn Dubin, and the Rothschild family, according to NPR reports.
Leave a Reply