House committee subpoenas Leon Black in the middle of closed-door interview about Jeffrey Epstein

In a dramatic turn of events, the House Oversight Committee has summoned billionaire Leon Black during a confidential interview regarding his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee's chairman, Rep. James Comer, announced that two subpoenas were issued after Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, chose not to respond to inquiries about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). The first subpoena demands that Black provide copies of any NDAs he has entered into, while the second compels him to return for further questioning on July 16. "We seek to understand the role Jeffrey Epstein may have played in these NDAs," said Comer. "Were there any contributions from him in drafting or facilitating these agreements? We need clarity on the reasons behind them." Black's attorney, Susan Estrich, criticized the subpoenas, labeling them as a politically motivated maneuver. She asserted, "Mr. Epstein had no involvement in any NDAs, regardless of their existence. The Committee has yet to inquire about legitimate payments made to Epstein for professional consulting in tax and estate matters." In the backdrop of this inquiry, it has been reported that committee members are considering subpoenas for individuals who could provide testimony about confidential settlements involving Epstein, which include NDAs that restrict victims from discussing their experiences. Attorney Brad Edwards, representing over 200 of Epstein's accusers, noted that some accusers have settled with Epstein’s associates, who were also implicated in misconduct allegations. A legal deposition could require Black to respond to questions even if bound by NDAs. The committee's investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related inquiries includes Black's connections with influential individuals. Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee's leading Democrat, expressed his support for the subpoenas, emphasizing the importance of NDAs in uncovering the truth. Initially, Black had consented to the interview voluntarily but retained the option to decline certain questions, particularly those concerning his private life, which he claimed would be detrimental to his family. Black disclosed that he had paid Epstein over $150 million for what he characterized as tax and estate planning services. He stated that he severed ties with Epstein upon learning that Epstein had misrepresented his fees and had refused to repay a significant loan. Black has consistently maintained that he was unaware of Epstein's sexual misconduct. Previous investigations by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York looked into allegations against Black but did not result in any criminal charges. In his prepared remarks to the committee, Black insisted he had never abused a woman, noting, "I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde."