Billionaire Investor Leon Black Sues Congress to Block Epstein Subpoenas

Billionaire Investor Leon Black Sues Congress to Block Epstein Subpoenas

2026-09-03 politics

Washington, Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Refusing a congressional deposition, former Apollo CEO Leon Black sued the House Oversight Committee on Thursday to block subpoenas regarding non-disclosure agreements, following payments to Jeffrey Epstein exceeding $150 million.

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, billionaire investor Leon Black filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the House Oversight Committee to block congressional subpoenas [1][3]. The legal filing seeks to invalidate demands for nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) linked to his financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein [4]. Black’s attorneys argue the subpoenas exceed the committee’s authority by seeking private information unrelated to a legitimate legislative purpose [3]. Consequently, Black declined to appear for a scheduled deposition on Thursday morning, prompting the committee to hold a session with an empty chair reserved for the witness [1][4].

The lawsuit claims the inquiries focus on women who value their privacy and have no known connection to Epstein [3]. Black’s legal counsel, Susan Estrich, characterized the committee’s actions as a fishing expedition intended to destroy Mr. Black rather than find truth [1][3]. This legal maneuver halts the immediate testimony but escalates the conflict between the private equity leader and federal lawmakers [4]. The committee had previously issued two subpoenas following a June interview where Black refused to answer questions about NDAs [3][6].

Committee Leadership Responses

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., stated it is a shame Black is hiding behind litigation rather than providing answers to the American people [1][3]. Comer emphasized that the investigation examines how the federal government failed survivors of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell [3]. Meanwhile, Ranking Member Robert Garcia of California called for Black to be held in contempt immediately for defying two congressional subpoenas [1][3]. Garcia highlighted that Black gave Epstein over $180 million over six years, according to committee data [1].

Committee Leadership Responses

Democrats on the panel urged the committee to formally hold Black in contempt following his refusal to testify [1]. The committee intends to examine how Epstein sought to curry favor with influential individuals to avoid scrutiny [3]. Comer noted he would speak with members about next steps regarding the refusal to comply [1]. The investigation remains focused on the scope of Epstein’s influence and the validity of confidentiality agreements surrounding his network [6].

Financial Discrepancies and Net Worth

Financial records indicate significant payments from Black to Epstein, though exact figures vary across reports [6]. While some committee members cite figures exceeding $180 million, Black has acknowledged payments around $158 million for tax and estate planning services [1][6]. The variance between reported figures of $170 million and $158 million represents a 7.595 difference in documented claims [6]. Forbes values Black’s net worth at $14.6 billion as of Thursday morning, providing context to the financial scale involved [4].

Financial Discrepancies and Net Worth

Black stepped down as CEO of Apollo Global Management in 2021 during the fallout over his ties to Epstein [3]. An external investigation commissioned by Apollo concluded Black was not involved in Epstein’s criminal activities, though he was aware of a 2008 conviction [6]. Black maintains he did not know about Epstein’s nefarious activity until 2019 [2][6]. The financial relationship remains a central point of contention for investigators seeking to understand the flow of funds [3].

Political Dynamics and Survivor Advocacy

More than a dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse called on Black to comply with congressional subpoenas in a letter released on Wednesday [2]. The survivors stated that Black’s use of NDAs underscores why Congress must scrutinize the agreements in his possession [2]. Representative Thomas Massie, R-Ky., recently read aloud the names of Epstein’s associates, including Black, on the House floor [2][7]. Massie described the group as alleged co-conspirators and called for Department of Justice investigation [7].

Political Dynamics and Survivor Advocacy

Massie emphasized that despite the Epstein Files Transparency Act being signed nearly a year ago, millions of files remain unreleased [2]. He began collecting signatures for a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II [7]. The political pressure mounts as the 2026 congressional session nears its end [6]. Survivors warned that if Black continues to withhold records, Congress should use every tool available to enforce subpoenas [2].

Sources


Leon Black House Oversight Committee