From CBS News · Caitlin Yilek · · 1m 30s
Congress moves to hold Leon Black in contempt
A 41-0 committee vote puts the Apollo co-founder one step from a criminal referral over Epstein-era subpoenas.
In brief
A 41-0 committee vote puts the Apollo co-founder one step from a criminal referral over Epstein-era subpoenas. The Oversight Committee wants Black's nondisclosure agreements, and it is willing to test that demand all the way to the Justice Department. Originally reported by CBS News.
A unanimous vote
The House Oversight Committee voted 41-0 to recommend holding billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas in its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
What he refused
Black skipped a Sept. 3 appearance before the committee and did not hand over the nondisclosure agreements lawmakers demanded. His attorneys called the contempt move "a complete abomination."
“a complete abomination”
Next stop, the full House
The resolution now goes to the full House, which would decide whether to refer the matter to the Justice Department. Prosecutors, not Congress, make any charging call.
He walked out in June
Chairman James Comer issued the subpoenas after Black abruptly left a closed-door voluntary interview, refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements.
“has chosen to hide behind litigation”
The Epstein connection
Black paid Epstein large sums for tax and estate planning starting in 2013, and allegedly confided in him about affairs that ended in NDAs. Black says he regrets it and knew nothing of the crimes.
“falsely claimed to have been involved in decisions about investments”
Black sues back
Instead of testifying, Black sued in D.C. federal court, arguing the subpoenas have no legitimate legislative purpose and that releasing NDAs would expose women with no link to Epstein.
“This entire charade is about politics and ambition.”
The short version
The Oversight Committee wants Black's nondisclosure agreements, and it is willing to test that demand all the way to the Justice Department.
