House Committee Votes to Hold Leon Black in Contempt Over Epstein Probe

The resolution now moves to the full House floor. If approved by a simple majority, the case will be referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. A contempt of Congress conviction is a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Black, who resigned as Apollo chief executive in 2021 after disclosures that he paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning services, has remained defiant. Earlier this month, he filed a lawsuit against the committee and skipped a scheduled deposition. This escalation follows a voluntary June appearance where Black testified that he never engaged in sex trafficking and had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct. Committee members claim Black walked out during that interview, prompting them to issue formal subpoenas for his testimony and records.

Legal representatives for Black criticized the committee on Tuesday, labeling the contempt resolution an abuse of power and a departure from the panel's legislative mandate. They have requested an investigation into the committee's leadership by the Office of Congressional Conduct.