Leon Black Faces Congressional Contempt Threat After Filing Lawsuit Against Oversight Committee

<figure><img alt="A photo illustration of Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/433SA7NHZ5EQFAWDWBWYXE4PMI.jpg?auth=5e210b1130f96f6e6462d923d01210100dabd9b0446428dd654147aaed4f5707&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1688" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty</figcaption></figure><p>On September 3, 2026, both the chairman and ranking member of the House Oversight Committee expressed bipartisan outrage towards billionaire Leon Black for failing to appear for a deposition related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Black has instead filed a lawsuit against the committee, seeking to block two subpoenas that require him to answer questions regarding nondisclosure agreements.</p><p>Ranking Member Robert Garcia stated on social media, "Leon Black must be held in contempt of Congress immediately." He noted that Black provided over $180 million to Epstein and has not disclosed what those funds were used for.</p><p>Garcia emphasized the necessity of access to the nondisclosure agreements with survivors as part of the ongoing investigation. Republican Chairman James Comer also criticized Black's decision to file a lawsuit instead of complying with the deposition request, calling it "unacceptable" and expressing disappointment.</p><p>Comer indicated that he would discuss potential next steps with committee members, including the possibility of holding Black in contempt. He remarked, "This is the first time anyone’s filed suit" in response to a subpoena during this investigation.</p><p>Black's lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., argues that the subpoenas exceed the committee's authority and could jeopardize the privacy of women involved. His legal team contends that the subpoenas demand private information that does not relate to the committee's legislative purpose.</p><p>Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, resigned in 2021 after his connections to Epstein became public. He previously stated in a voluntary interview with the committee that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities until 2019 and that his payments to Epstein were for legitimate purposes.</p>