House Holds Leon Black in Contempt Over Epstein Probe

The US House of Representatives voted on Thursday to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he ignored a subpoena in the committee’s probe of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black, who once partnered with Epstein in financial ventures, was ordered by the House Oversight Committee to appear and hand over documents earlier this month. He did not show up and did not produce the requested papers. Black’s legal team filed a lawsuit challenging the summons and described the contempt action as “outrageous.” The contempt measure passed with a bipartisan vote. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued a brief statement, saying, “No‑one is abo.” The move marks the first time the committee has sought contempt for a private citizen in the Epstein investigation. Black sued the committee in federal court, arguing the subpoena overstepped the panel’s authority; the court has not yet ruled. By holding him in contempt, the House signals it will pursue the matter through the Justice Department if needed. Legal scholars note that Congress can refer the contempt finding for possible prosecution, though no charges have been announced. The episode follows earlier congressional efforts to obtain information about Epstein’s financial network and highlights the limits of congressional power to compel testimony from wealthy individuals.