US House holds Epstein associate Leon Black in contempt

The US House of Representatives has condemned billionaire investor Leon Black for defying subpoenas in an investigation into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, was held in contempt of Congress after failing to appear for a deposition and not complying with a separate subpoena seeking nondisclosure agreements.

The unanimous decision was made following a recommendation from the House Oversight Committee. The resolution, adopted without a recorded vote, will now be referred to the Justice Department to determine if criminal charges will be pursued against Black. House Oversight Committee chairman Jamie Comer stated that the action sends a message that no one is above the law and that transparency and justice for victims will be pursued in the ongoing investigation into the government's handling of Epstein's and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal cases.

Black, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, appeared voluntarily before the committee in June but declined to answer questions about certain nondisclosure agreements, leading lawmakers to demand further testimony and documents. Despite appearing before the committee, Black's lawyers have called the House action "outrageous" and accused lawmakers of rushing the process, vowing to continue challenging the subpoenas through the courts.