In brief
Leon Black, the former Apollo Global Management co‑founder, declined to appear before the House Oversight Committee in a high‑profile probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. The billionaire now sued the committee, arguing that the subpoenas to expose nondisclosure agreements were illegitimate and could jeopardise women’s privacy. Court filings include Black’s claim of paying Epstein $158 million for legitimate advisory services and his assertion that he was unaware of Epstein’s alleged crimes until July 2019. Committee members have warned that contempt could lead to federal prosecution. Meanwhile, Black’s past allegations—ranging from a dismissed lawsuit over a Russian model to his exit from Apollo—add complexity to the unfolding saga.
Leon Black, a billionaire embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein fallout, has opted to challenge the very subpoenas that sought his testimony, filing a lawsuit against the House Oversight Committee in Washington on Thursday.
The suit declares the subpoenas invalid, arguing that they lack a legitimate “legislative aim” and would compel Black to disclose nondisclosure agreements that could expose women who have agreed to keep details confidential. Black’s lawyer, Susan Estrich, said the action was a response to an “abuse of Congressional power.”
In June, Black walked out of the committee hearing after testifying that he had paid Epstein $158 million ($120 million) for advisory services over the years. He insisted he was unaware of Epstein’s “nefarious activity” until the financier was charged in July 2019.
Committee members reacted harshly. House Oversight Member Robert Garcia called Black’s refusal “defying two Congressional subpoenas” and warned of contempt proceedings that could lead to prosecution. Chairman Jomes Comer called the lawsuit “a shameful tactic” that hinders national interest.
The case also intersects with older controversies. Black’s prior affair with model Guzel Ganieva was the subject of a lawsuit—later dismissed—where Ganieva alleged an NDA had been used to silence her. Black remains silent about that dispute, while his attorney dismissed the allegations as demonstrably false.
Black has pointed to his departure from Apollo Global Management in 2021, citing relentless media scrutiny over his Epstein link. The committee’s subpoena now adds a fresh legal battle to his already crowded agenda.
