Billionaire investor and Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black has been subpoenaed by a U.S. congressional committee after declining to answer certain questions during a voluntary interview concerning his long-standing relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and payments totaling at least US$158 million.
The subpoenas were issued by the U.S. House Oversight Committee following a closed-door interview in which lawmakers said Black refused to respond to questions regarding non-disclosure agreements connected to the investigation. The committee subsequently ordered the production of documents related to those agreements and directed Black to appear for sworn testimony at a future hearing.
Committee members from both political parties expressed frustration with Black’s limited responses during the interview, stating that several important questions remained unanswered. Black’s legal counsel criticized the committee’s decision, describing the subpoenas as politically motivated and characterizing the move as unnecessary.
During his appearance before lawmakers, Black maintained that he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal conduct until 2019. He said the substantial payments made to Epstein between 2012 and 2017 were for legitimate tax planning, estate planning, and related financial advisory services. Black acknowledged that he regretted continuing to work with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction but insisted he believed Epstein deserved a second chance at the time.
An independent review commissioned by Apollo Global Management in 2021 concluded that Black had paid Epstein approximately US$158 million over several years for professional financial services. The findings contributed to Black’s decision to step down as the firm’s chief executive officer in 2021 amid growing public scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
Black strongly denied allegations suggesting that the payments were connected to criminal conduct or that Epstein arranged women on his behalf. He stated that he has never abused women, engaged in sex trafficking, had relationships with underage girls, or been blackmailed by Epstein, dismissing such allegations as entirely false.
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges alleging the sex trafficking of minors before dying in a New York jail while awaiting trial. His death did not end public interest in the case, and investigations have continued into his financial dealings and relationships with prominent political, business, and social figures.
Congressional investigators have been examining Epstein’s network of wealthy and influential associates as part of a broader effort to understand how he maintained relationships with powerful individuals despite his earlier criminal conviction. Numerous current and former government officials, business leaders, and public figures have appeared before the committee or provided testimony during the ongoing investigation.
Among those who have been questioned are former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Gates has publicly acknowledged that meeting with Epstein was a significant error in judgment.
Lawmakers continue to pursue additional testimony and documents as they examine Epstein’s financial transactions, professional relationships, and broader network of influential contacts. The investigation remains ongoing, with congressional committees indicating that further hearings and subpoenas are expected in the months ahead.