House committee subpoenas Leon Black during Jeffrey Epstein testimony
The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to billionaire investor Leon Black during his testimony regarding his association with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The subpoenas were a result of Black’s refusal to answer questions about potential non-disclosure agreements with women linked to Epstein. Black is scheduled to return for videotaped testimony under oath on July 16, as demanded by the subpoenas.
Oversight Committee Chair James Comer emphasized the importance of the NDAs in the investigation, particularly in relation to women associated with Epstein. The committee seeks details on Epstein’s involvement in the NDAs and the reasons behind them.
Black, in his closed-door deposition, denied any involvement in Epstein’s sex-trafficking activities. His lawyer, Susan Estrich, criticized the subpoenas as a political stunt and clarified that Epstein had no role in any NDAs.
During his testimony, Black denied any misconduct towards women, underage individuals, or involvement in sex trafficking. He also refuted claims of paying Epstein for access to women or being blackmailed by him.
Black revealed that he paid Epstein $158 million for estate and tax planning services, but was misled about the fees. He terminated their professional relationship in 2018 over a fee dispute and a loan issue.
Despite the payments, a review by the law firm Dechert found no evidence of Black’s involvement in illegal activities related to Epstein. Black claimed to be the only individual in Epstein’s circle to commission an independent investigation.
Black acknowledged meeting Epstein in the mid-1990s and giving him a second chance after his 2008 conviction. He stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s sex trafficking until the financier was charged in 2019.
The Justice Department accused Epstein of sexually abusing underage girls between 2002 and 2005. FBI files have highlighted Epstein’s connections to prominent figures in finance, politics, and media.
Black addressed civil suits against him, dismissing them as baseless and fabricated. He expressed concerns about receiving death threats and the safety of his family due to false accusations.
The Oversight Committee continues to investigate the handling of Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell by the federal government. Epstein’s death in 2019 and Maxwell’s imprisonment have raised questions about their activities.
Former President Bill Clinton and billionaire Bill Gates have denied any wrongdoing in their interactions with Epstein. Black’s association with Apollo Global Management, owning approximately 14% of the company, remains under scrutiny.
Rep. Robert Garcia supported the decision to subpoena Black, citing allegations of abuse against him and his connections to President Trump.
