The US House of Representatives has held billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he refused to comply with subpoenas issued as part of lawmakers’ investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The resolution was approved by unanimous consent on Sept 16, a day after the House Oversight Committee voted unanimously to recommend the action. The case has now been referred to the US Department of Justice, which will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.
The committee’s investigation is examining the federal government’s handling of Epstein’s crimes and his relationships with influential figures. Black, who co-founded Apollo Global Management, had a longstanding financial relationship with Epstein.
Black paid Epstein at least US$158 million for tax and estate planning services between 2012 and 2017, including payments made after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Black voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door interview in June. The session ended after lawmakers said he declined to answer questions concerning nondisclosure agreements.
The committee subsequently issued two subpoenas requiring Black to provide relevant nondisclosure agreements and appear for a deposition. He did not attend the scheduled deposition on Sept 3 and did not provide all of the documents requested.
Black instead filed a lawsuit challenging the subpoenas, arguing that the committee had exceeded its authority and was seeking private information unrelated to its legitimate legislative purpose.
His lawyers have also rejected allegations that Black knew about Epstein’s criminal activities. They said the committee was seeking information that did not exist and criticised the contempt proceedings as rushed and unjustified.
Black has previously said he regretted employing Epstein and denied having knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. His legal team has maintained that he did not engage in or facilitate sexual abuse or trafficking.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the committee had given Black multiple opportunities to cooperate with the investigation before pursuing the contempt resolution.
The Justice Department will now review the House referral. Contempt of Congress is a misdemeanour offence that can carry criminal penalties, although a referral does not automatically result in prosecution.
The case is part of a broader congressional examination of Epstein’s connections to prominent individuals and the government’s handling of his criminal activities. Lawmakers have sought testimony and documents from several people who had business or social relationships with Epstein.
Black’s legal challenge is expected to continue alongside the congressional investigation as lawmakers and the Justice Department consider the next steps.
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