US billionaire Leon Black defies summons and sues Epstein panel

Leon Black, the billionaire co‑founder of Apollo Global Management, filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday challenging two subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee that demanded he produce nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and appear for an on‑camera deposition. The suit argues the subpoenas are “invalid” and lack any legitimate legislative connection, contending that forcing disclosure would jeopardize the privacy of women who signed the agreements and have no public link to Jeffrey Epstein. Black had previously testified voluntarily in June, then walked out when questioned about the NDAs, and has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein, asserting he paid the late financier $158 million for legitimate wealth‑management services and only learned of Epstein’s criminal conduct after the 2019 trafficking charges.

The legal challenge escalates a broader congressional effort to probe Black’s ties to Epstein, a matter that has already drawn intense scrutiny. Committee members, including Chairman James Comer and member Robert Garcia, labeled Black’s refusal to comply as contemptuous, warning that the committee could refer the case to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. Their stance reflects a belief that Black’s testimony is essential to uncovering the full scope of Epstein’s network, especially after the Justice Department released files showing Black’s name among the documents, though no implication of illegal activity was attached. Black’s attorney, Susan Estrich, framed the lawsuit as a defense against an “abuse of Congressional power,” emphasizing that the subpoenas threaten the confidentiality of women who bargained for privacy.

Beyond the immediate legal battle, the dispute touches on Black’s broader personal and professional fallout. He left Apollo in 2021, citing the toll of relentless media attention over his Epstein connections, and has faced separate allegations, including a dismissed lawsuit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, who claimed an NDA was used to silence her after a six‑year affair. Black has characterized those claims as false and maintains he was a victim of extortion. The outcome of his lawsuit could set a precedent for how congressional investigations intersect with private settlement agreements, influencing both future oversight of high‑profile financial figures and the protection of individuals bound by NDAs.

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