Leon Black defies subpoena to testify in Epstein inquiry and sues House panel
Billionaire Leon Black has filed a lawsuit against the House Oversight Committee to avoid testifying about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Black argues the committee is overstepping its legislative authority, while lawmakers threaten contempt proceedings.
Why it matters
The standoff underscores the limits of congressional subpoena power and the ongoing public interest in the network surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
Billionaire Leon Black was scheduled to testify about his dealings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein under a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee on Thursday morning. But instead of appearing, Black filed a lawsuit against the committee and its Republican chairman, accusing them of overstepping their authority.
News Senate Democrats say banks turned blind eye to suspicious moves by Jeffrey Epstein His civil lawsuit describes the House panel's inquiry — led by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. — as a "public fishing expedition," accusing its members of attempting to score political points.
In response, Comer called Black's actions "unacceptable" and said he and other panel members would discuss whether to hold Black in contempt.
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