Leon Black sues to block congressional subpoenas after skipping hearing

Leon Black did not appear before the House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein and instead filed a federal lawsuit seeking to invalidate subpoenas that had ordered him to produce nondisclosure agreements and give an on-camera deposition under oath, his lawyers said.

Black previously left a voluntary June committee session while being questioned about nondisclosure agreements. He has denied wrongdoing in his association with Epstein and said he employed Epstein as a wealth management adviser, paying him $158 million for legitimate services during their relationship, according to his June testimony.

In the lawsuit filed in Washington, Black argued the subpoenas are “invalid” and that producing NDAs could expose women who negotiated confidentiality and did not consent to public disclosure. His attorney Susan Estrich said the legal filing responds to what they view as an abuse of congressional power.

Committee member Robert Garcia said Black was defying two congressional subpoenas and urged immediate contempt proceedings. Chairman James Comer said Black’s testimony is important to the investigation, and the committee could refer contempt findings to the Justice Department for potential prosecution.

Black appears in Justice Department files related to Epstein, which include photos, videos and investigative documents, though presence in those files does not imply wrongdoing, the Justice Department release noted in reporting. Black has said he did not know about Epstein’s criminal conduct until Epstein’s 2019 trafficking charges.

Court records show a civil suit by former model Guzel Ganieva alleged a six-year affair with Black and accused him of abuse; the suit was dismissed after a judge cited an NDA she signed and about $9 million she received. Black’s legal team has called Ganieva’s claims false, and Black has previously said he was a victim of extortion.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The lawsuit challenges the committee’s authority to compel production of confidential agreements and depositions, citing privacy concerns for third parties named in NDAs, according to Black’s filing. Committee officials say refusal to comply will lead to contempt referrals and possible Justice Department involvement. Public disclosures note Black’s financial payments to Epstein and his prior departure from Apollo Global Management in 2021 amid scrutiny of the relationship.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Leon Black filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block House Oversight subpoenas after skipping a committee hearing.
• Subpoenas demanded nondisclosure agreements and an on-camera deposition; Black says producing NDAs would violate third-party privacy.
• The committee may pursue contempt of Congress and refer the matter to the Justice Department.