The House Oversight Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend contempt charges against billionaire Leon Black after he refused to testify about his financial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, setting up a potential criminal prosecution.

Bipartisan Action Against Private Equity Chief

Republicans and Democrats joined forces in the rare bipartisan vote after Black ignored a congressional subpoena demanding his sworn testimony and nondisclosure agreements. Black, former CEO of Apollo Global Management, instead sued the committee in federal court attempting to block the subpoenas. Committee Chairman James Comer stated Black is hiding behind litigation to avoid answering to the American people, emphasizing that no one stands above the law.

Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia called Black’s refusal unacceptable, stressing that congressional subpoenas are not suggestions. The contempt recommendation now advances to the full House for a vote. If approved, the Justice Department would receive the referral with potential criminal prosecution possible. However, the House breaks this week until after November’s midterm elections, creating uncertainty about timing.

Massive Payments to Convicted Sex Offender

Lawmakers allege Black paid Epstein $180 million during their relationship. A 2021 Apollo-commissioned review found Black paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for tax and estate planning services. These payments continued after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Black stepped down from Apollo in 2021 amid controversy over these connections. The committee seeks Black’s testimony alongside other prominent figures including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates as part of their investigation.

Legal Battle Intensifies

Black’s legal team issued a sharp response calling the committee action a complete abomination. Attorneys Susan Estrich and Aaron Cutler accused Chairman Comer of unethical tactics and claimed the committee exceeded its authority. They filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct. The attorneys maintained Black never abused women, was never with underage women, never engaged in sex trafficking, and had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Black appeared voluntarily in June but refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements, prompting the committee to issue subpoenas for documents and a July 16 deposition, later rescheduled to September 3 at Black’s request.