“No one is above the law. Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the U.S. House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress.
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House Oversight Threatens Apollo Founder Leon Black With Contempt After He Turns Over a Single NDA — Comer and Garcia Both Say the Nondisclosure Agreements Are the Point
August 19, 2026
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer notified Leon Black's attorney on August 18, 2026 that the committee will move toward contempt of Congress proceedings unless the Apollo Global Management co-founder produces every nondisclosure agreement he is party to and appears for a deposition on September 3. The fight dates to June 26, 2026, when Black walked out of a transcribed interview with the committee's Epstein investigation rather than answer questions about NDAs signed with women in Jeffrey Epstein's orbit. Comer issued two subpoenas the same day — one for a deposition under oath, one for the agreements. By August, Comer said, Black had produced exactly one NDA. Black's attorney, Susan Estrich, has said the agreement produced was the only one predating Epstein's death and the only one Epstein knew about, and that "Mr. Epstein had no involvement with any NDAs, whether they exist or not." The committee is investigating whether Epstein was involved in creating, negotiating, or funding the agreements. Ranking Member Robert Garcia, the committee's top Democrat, has pressed the same demand — a rare point of bipartisan agreement on a panel otherwise split over the Epstein files.
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12 Statements
“We have no choice but to hold him in contempt. … Subpoenas are not suggestions; they carry the force of law and require full compliance.
“Holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress is a critical step in the fight for justice for the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. Black continues to defy two Congressional subpoenas. Over the course of their relationship, Black gave over $180 million dollars to Jeffrey Epstein. He failed to appear for his deposition and has refused to provide critical information to this Committee. The House must now vote to hold him in contempt.
“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. … After consulting with Committee members, we will defend Congress's constitutional authority and take action to hold Mr. Black accountable for his continued defiance of lawful congressional subpoenas.
“It's a shame Leon Black is hiding behind litigation rather than provide answers to the American people.
“By refusing to testify today, Leon Black is now defying two Congressional subpoenas. Black gave Jeffrey Epstein over $180 million over six years. He funded Epstein's abuse and trafficking of women. Multiple women have also accused Black of sexual assault. His connections to Epstein and his unwillingness to cooperate are unacceptable. We must hold him in contempt immediately.
“Of all the powerful billionaires and political people we've brought in for interview and depositions, this is the first time anyone's filed suit.
“Today, the process of contempt has to begin.
“The Committee demands full compliance with the subpoena and rejects any attempts at further disrupting or delaying this investigation.
“We need the NDAs to be able to move forward with the investigation.
“The NDAs are central to us understanding what actually happened. There are real accusations, and there are survivors who have accused Mr. Black of horrific things.
“Leon Black had a chance to do the right thing and help us bring justice to the survivors. Instead, he ran out of the room when he was pressed for information about his non-disclosure agreements with women and his relationship with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. He has now been subpoenaed and must provide real answers to the Committee. He will be held accountable if he doesn’t comply with our investigation.