Leon Black sues House panel to block Epstein-related subpoenas

The legal challenge, filed in Washington, marks a sharp escalation in Black’s standoff with lawmakers. After voluntarily sitting for a private interview in June, Black refused to return for a scheduled deposition on Thursday. His legal team, led by Susan Estrich, argues the committee is abusing its power in a campaign to destroy his reputation rather than gathering legitimate legislative evidence.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer remains firm, labeling the litigation an attempt to hide from public accountability. Comer maintains that Black’s testimony is essential to understanding how Epstein leveraged elite connections to evade justice for decades. The committee plans to formally document Black’s absence to determine subsequent enforcement steps.

Black’s scrutiny stems from a 2021 investigation that revealed he paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning services. While Black has denied any involvement in sex trafficking or abuse, his previous departure from the Apollo CEO role underscores the lasting fallout of his association with the late financier. As the committee pushes for the release of sensitive agreements, the battle now shifts to federal court to decide the scope of congressional investigative reach.