Epstein Associate Leon Black Faces House Contempt Markup

The House Oversight Committee says it will hold a markup next week that recommends billionaire investor Leon Black—an associate of the late Jeffrey Epstein—for contempt of Congress after he refused to appear for a scheduled testimony. Committee chair James Comer announced the action, following Black’s defiance of subpoenas and refusal to testify before the panel last week. The full markup is set for Tuesday. Comer said wealth and influence do not allow anyone to choose which lawful subpoenas to follow. Black, co-founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management, stepped down as CEO and chairman in 2021 after allegations involving Epstein became public. The committee has issued subpoenas seeking an appearance for a deposition and nondisclosure agreements.