The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved a contempt recommendation against former Apollo Global Management CEO Leon Black by a 41-0 vote, sending the matter to the full House for action related to subpoenas tied to the Jeffrey Epstein probe.
Black refused to provide further testimony and to disclose nondisclosure agreements, and he has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking to block enforcement of the subpoenas.
Committee Chair James Comer said subpoenas carry the force of law and the panel had no choice but to pursue contempt. Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia argued the investigation serves Epstein's survivors and aims to drive reforms, adding that Black should not be allowed to defy congressional subpoenas.
Black's lawyers described the move as an abuse of power and asserted they have the constitutional right to challenge the subpoenas in court, arguing they were illegitimate.
Black stepped down as Apollo Global Management CEO in March 2021, two months after the firm disclosed that he paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning advice from 2012 through 2017.