Committee investigating Epstein holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress

The House of Representatives' bipartisan committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein charged billionaire investor Leon Black with contempt of Congress on Wednesday. This marks the first time the House has held a witness in contempt in relation to the Epstein inquiry. Black had refused to provide further information regarding his connection with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

He had previously attended a closed-door interview with the committee in June but stormed out before it concluded, refusing to answer certain questions about nondisclosure agreements. In response, the Republican-led committee issued a subpoena, demanding Black's presence for a deposition and the submission of any such agreements he may have signed.

Instead, Black chose to sue the committee and its chairman, Rep. James Comer, contending that their actions exceeded their authority. Comer accused Black of attempting to evade congressional scrutiny. In his remarks, Comer stated that Black was "hiding behind litigation to delay having to provide answers to the American people" and emphasized that "no one is above the law."

Black's legal team, Susan Estrich and Aaron Cutler, described the resolution as "politically motivated and completely retaliatory," asserting that Black had indeed cooperated with the committee by participating in the initial, transcribed interview. The contempt charge will now be forwarded to the Department of Justice, who will determine whether to pursue criminal prosecution against Black.