Key facts
- Billionaire investor Leon Black walked out of a congressional hearing investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
- The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas for Leon Black to produce non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and give an on-camera deposition.
- The committee seeks to determine Jeffrey Epstein's involvement in any NDAs between Black and women.
- Black's attorney stated that Epstein had no involvement with any NDAs and provided legitimate tax and estate planning services.
- Black reportedly told the committee he paid Epstein $158 million for legitimate purposes over their association.
Billionaire investor Leon Black walked out of a closed-door hearing with the congressional committee investigating late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after refusing to answer questions on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), lawmakers said.
Black, whose name appears in Epstein's files released by the Justice Department, had been testifying voluntarily. However, he left after being questioned about NDAs he may have signed, according to the panel's chairman. The House of Representatives Oversight Committee subsequently issued two subpoenas for Black to provide NDAs and undergo an on-camera deposition under oath.
Black departed Apollo Global Management, which he co-founded, in 2021 amid scrutiny over his Epstein ties. He denies any wrongdoing. Committee Chairman James Comer stated the panel wants to understand Epstein's role in writing, funding, or determining the purpose of any NDAs. Nondisclosure agreements are contracts that require parties to keep information confidential.
Black's attorneys confirmed he left after their "final comments." According to CBS News, Black hired Epstein as a wealth management adviser and discussed personal matters, including extramarital affairs that resulted in NDAs. Black reportedly told the committee he paid Epstein $158 million for legitimate purposes over their years-long association, a figure previously examined in a Senate investigation.
Black's legal team has asserted that an internal investigation by the Dechert law firm concluded the fees paid to Epstein were for legitimate tax advice. Black stated in his opening remarks that he felt terrible for Epstein's victims and did not know about Epstein's "nefarious activity" until his arrest in July 2019. He denied any personal misconduct.
Black's attorney, Susan Estrich, called the subpoenas a "planned political stunt" and asserted Epstein had no involvement with any NDAs, stating he provided legitimate tax and estate planning services. Committee Democrat Robert Garcia said Black "stormed out" when questioned about NDAs and warned he would be held accountable if he did not comply with the investigation.