Billionaire investor Leon Black abruptly left a closed-door congressional hearing after refusing to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) connected to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee had invited Black to testify voluntarily as part of its investigation into Epstein’s relationships with wealthy and influential figures. However, the hearing ended early when lawmakers questioned him about agreements that may have been signed with several women.
Lawmakers Seek Answers About NDAs
Committee Chairman James Comer said investigators want to know whether Epstein played any role in creating or arranging the NDAs.
According to Comer, the committee is trying to determine whether Epstein helped write the agreements, facilitated payments, or influenced the settlements in any way.
Following Black’s departure, the committee issued two subpoenas. One requires him to provide documents related to the NDAs, while the other orders him to give an on-camera deposition under oath.
Black’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Leon Black co-founded Apollo Global Management and stepped down from the company in 2021 after his relationship with Epstein came under intense scrutiny.
During his brief testimony, Black reportedly stated that he paid Epstein $158 million over several years for legitimate financial and tax advice. The payments previously became the subject of a Senate investigation, which examined whether the money was actually compensation for personal matters rather than financial services.
An internal review conducted by a law firm hired by Apollo concluded that the payments were legitimate and related to professional tax advice.
Black Says He Was Deceived
In his opening statement, Black expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims and said he had no knowledge of the financier’s criminal activities.
He explained that he only became aware of Epstein’s alleged crimes when authorities charged him with sex trafficking in July 2019.
Black also claimed that Epstein had deceived him, saying he knew a different side of the financier and never saw the criminal behavior that later became public.
Investigation Continues
The congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network remains active as lawmakers continue examining the connections between the disgraced financier and several high-profile individuals.
The committee now hopes the subpoenas will provide more information about the NDAs and clarify whether Epstein had any involvement in arranging confidential agreements linked to Leon Black.
