House holds Leon Black in contempt over Epstein testimony after lawsuit

Published September 16, 2026 5:45pm ET | Updated September 16, 2026 5:45pm ET



The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a motion to hold business magnate Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he declined to comply with subpoenas related to Jeffrey Epstein issued by one of the lower chamber’s most powerful committees. 

As the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, Black paid Epstein to be his wealth adviser for years and has been scrutinized for his connections to the deceased New York financier in recent months after debate over Epstein’s life surged. Black was deposed by the House oversight committee to appear for testimony on Epstein and hand over several nondisclosure agreements earlier this month, but stirred a ruckus when he refused, instead filing a lawsuit challenging the panel’s subpoenas as invalid because they bear “no legitimate connection” to the committee’s purpose. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.