Leon Black fails to appear for US House deposition about Epstein ties

Black was a top Epstein client over several years, and the committee is investigating the men’s relationship as well as the existence of any NDAs that Epstein may have helped Black craft. Black, whose name has come up repeatedly in the Epstein files, has denied wrongdoing. Black also said that he regrets dealing with Epstein.

Black’s lawyers said in a statement Thursday morning: “The Committee is on a fishing expedition that oversteps its authority and completely ignores its responsibility. This is no longer about finding the truth about Epstein. It is about trying to destroy Mr Black. We were left with no choice but to file this lawsuit in response to an abuse of Congressional power.” The lawsuit, filed in the US district court for the District of Columbia, seeks to stop the committee from enforcing its subpoenas.

Democratic representative Robert Garcia called for Black to be held in contempt after his refusal to appear.

“By refusing to testify today, Leon Black is now defying two congressional subpoenas,” said Garcia, the ranking member of the oversight committee.

“His connections to Epstein and his unwillingness to cooperate are unacceptable,” Garcia added. “We must hold him in contempt immediately.”

Black walked out of an interview with the oversight committee in June after refusing to respond to questions about non-disclosure agreements purportedly related to Epstein, according to reports.

James Comer, chair of the committee, also criticized Black in a statement, though stopped short of signaling a contempt vote. “It’s a shame Leon Black is hiding behind litigation rather than provide answers to the American people,” Comer said. “Our deposition is moving forward this morning for the record and there will be an empty chair for Mr Black. I will speak with our members about next steps.”