WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Oversight Committee voted 41-0 to recommend holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress. The unanimous vote followed Black's refusal to comply with subpoenas related to the panel's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued subpoenas to Black in June demanding production of nondisclosure agreements and a subsequent appearance. Black did not comply with subpoenas to appear before the committee on September 3.

Black is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management. He employed Jeffrey Epstein as a wealth management adviser for tax and estate planning services. Black met Epstein in the 1990s and began paying him for wealth management advice in 2013.

Black appeared voluntarily for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee in June. He left the June interview abruptly after refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements. Black produced only one nondisclosure agreement to the committee.

Black did not produce the nondisclosure agreements sought by the committee. He filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the validity of the subpoenas. Black argued in his lawsuit that the subpoenas had no legitimate connection to the committee's legislative purpose.

Black argued that producing nondisclosure agreements would violate the privacy of women with no known or public connection to Epstein. His legal team stated he never forced any woman to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Attorneys stated he was not aware of Epstein's crimes and that Epstein had no involvement with any nondisclosure agreements.

James Comer stated that Black has chosen to hide behind litigation. "Subpoenas carry the force of law and require full compliance." Comer said. He added that Black's testimony is crucial because he maintained a close personal relationship with Epstein during sex trafficking activities.

Ranking Member Robert Garcia strongly supported the move to hold Black in contempt. The contempt recommendation is part of the committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Black stated he regrets employing Epstein because Epstein lied and falsely claimed involvement in investment decisions.

Black resigned from Apollo Global Management and the Museum of Modern Art following revelations about his business ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He served as chairman of the Museum of Modern Art from 2018 to 2021. The contempt resolution advances to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Why It Matters

The unanimous vote reflects the committee's determination to enforce its investigative authority against high-profile figures. By recommending contempt, the panel signals that refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas will face formal legislative consequences regardless of the subject's status or resources.

The case centers on the scope of congressional oversight regarding private financial relationships with convicted criminals. The dispute over nondisclosure agreements shows tensions between legislative investigative powers and claims of individual privacy rights. The outcome could influence how future committees handle similar refusals to provide documents in high-profile investigations.

Timeline

In 2013, Black began paying Jeffrey Epstein for wealth management advice. On February 26, 2024, a court set aside the Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements Properly Issued Invoices Provision. On September 3, 2024, Black did not comply with subpoenas to appear before the committee.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates the House Oversight Committee voted Tuesday to hold billionaire Black in contempt of Congress for defying two subpoenas that demanded he appear for a deposition as well as turn over documents lawmakers believe are pertinent to the panel's inquiry into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend that the full House hold former Apollo Global Management CEO Black in contempt of Congress for his refusal to comply with subpoenas issued as part of the panel's probe of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.

James Comer stated that Black's testimony is crucial because he maintained a close personal relationship with Epstein during sex trafficking activities. The markup to consider a resolution and accompanying report recommending to the U.S. House of Representatives that Black be found in contempt of Congress is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET in the 2154 Rayburn House Office Building. Senate investigators estimated the total amount Black paid Jeffrey Epstein at closer to $170 million, while financial statements suggested Epstein earned approximately $158 million from Black between 2012 and 2017. Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for services from 2013 to 2017.

How Sources Differ

Reports also vary on details concerning Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News focused on the contempt vote regarding subpoenas for documents pertinent to the inquiry.

Testimony records indicate Black met Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s. Investigative findings state Black employed Jeffrey Epstein as a wealth management adviser for tax and estate planning services. Testimony further establishes that Black began paying Jeffrey Epstein for wealth management advice in 2013.

Discrepancies exist regarding payments from Black to Jeffrey Epstein. Reporting cited by other outlets states Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for services from 2013 to 2017.