Billionaire investor Leon Black refused to appear for a sworn deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday and instead filed a lawsuit against the committee. Black's legal action aims to block subpoenas issued as part of the committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee had served Black with two subpoenas during a closed-door voluntary interview in June. One subpoena demanded Black produce non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other documents, while the other compelled him to return for a deposition before the committee.
Black's lawsuit argues that the subpoenas exceed the committee's authority by seeking private information unrelated to Epstein or any legitimate legislative purpose. His attorneys contend that the subpoenas are 'invalid' and bear 'no legitimate connection' to the committee's legislative purpose.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, responded by calling for Black to be held in contempt immediately. Garcia's statement underscores the committee's determination to pursue the investigation despite Black's legal challenge.
Black is the co-founder and former chief executive of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management. He stepped down in 2021 during the fallout over his ties to Epstein. During his voluntary interview in June, Black told members of Congress that he did not know the extent of Epstein’s crimes and that he himself never abused women or had sexual relations with minors.
Susan Estrich, an attorney for Black, said in a press release that the committee 'is on a fishing expedition.' She argued that the subpoenas are invalid and that turning over the requested information would be unnecessary.
Black's legal challenge comes after he initially appeared for a voluntary interview in June but abruptly left when the committee issued the subpoenas. The committee had subpoenaed Black after he refused to answer a series of questions during the interview.
Black's lawsuit and the committee's response highlight the ongoing tension between the committee's investigative powers and the rights of individuals to protect their privacy and avoid self-incrimination.
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