The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee has voted unanimously, 41-0, to recommend holding Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, in contempt of Congress. This recommendation comes after Black declined to comply with subpoenas issued as part of the committee's probe into the activities of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Black, who stepped down as Apollo CEO in 2021, had paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning advice between 2012 and 2017. He is among several prominent figures called to testify about their connections to Epstein. The committee's investigation aims to understand the system that allowed Epstein and his associates to operate for years, with Rep. Robert Garcia emphasizing the need for reforms and legal changes.
The contempt resolution will now proceed to a full House vote, which, if passed by a simple majority, would refer the case to the Justice Department for potential prosecution. Contempt of Congress is a misdemeanor charge carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Black's lawyers criticized the committee's actions, calling it an "abomination" and "retaliation." They stated that Black has a constitutional right to sue Chairman Comer and the Committee, asserting that the subpoenas were "illegitimate, illegal and a textbook abuse of power." Black himself filed a lawsuit on September 3 seeking to block the enforcement of the subpoenas. Chairman James Comer stated, "It doesn't matter how wealthy, powerful, or connected you are, no one gets to pick and choose which lawful congressional subpoenas they will obey."
Despite previously appearing voluntarily before the Oversight panel in June, Black refused to provide further testimony or comply with requests for non-disclosure agreements. He has not been charged with any wrongdoing in connection with his dealings with Epstein.
