WASHINGTON—The U.S. House Oversight Committee on Friday heard testimony from billionaire investor Leon Black regarding his financial and personal ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to lawmakers and committee materials.
Black appeared before the committee for a closed-door deposition as part of an ongoing congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network and financial arrangements, before being compelled to return under subpoena after declining to answer certain questions, lawmakers said. The panel issued two subpoenas requiring Black to provide nondisclosure agreements and to appear again for sworn testimony on July 16, according to committee statements and congressional aides.
The Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, is examining Epstein’s relationships with high-profile individuals and whether financial agreements or legal settlements may have been used to shield misconduct or limit disclosure. The inquiry includes scrutiny of payments and contracts linked to Epstein and his associates, according to prior committee correspondence released in March.
The latest hearing follows earlier voluntary testimony by Black in which he addressed his financial relationship with Epstein and denied wrongdoing. In prepared remarks shared with reporters at that time, Black said: “I have never abused a woman. I have never been with an underage woman. I have never engaged in sex trafficking,” according to a copy of his statement distributed before his appearance.
During Friday’s session, Black declined to respond to questions regarding nondisclosure agreements, prompting bipartisan frustration among committee members and leading to the issuance of subpoenas on the spot, according to lawmakers involved in the proceedings.
Committee members have said they are seeking documents and testimony to determine the extent of Epstein’s financial dealings with associates, including whether settlements with alleged victims were structured through private agreements. Black has previously denied any involvement in illegal activity and said his payments to Epstein were for legitimate financial advisory services.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His former associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and sentenced in 2022 for sex trafficking-related offenses.
Black is scheduled to return for a deposition under oath on July 16, when he is expected to face further questioning and produce requested documents, according to the committee.
