# Billionaire Leon Black Held in Contempt Over Epstein Ties

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/billionaire-leon-black-held-in-contempt-over-epstein-ties
- Published: 2026-09-17T07:13:58.466019+00:00
- Topics: jeffrey-epstein, congress, contempt-of-congress, leon-black, justice-department

## What the left says
- Black's $170 million in payments to Epstein, framed as tax and estate planning fees, warrant serious scrutiny given Epstein's crimes and Black's position atop Apollo Global Management.
- Refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements suggests an effort to shield information relevant to survivors seeking accountability and the public's understanding of Epstein's network.
- Rep. Robert Garcia's characterization of the vote as 'an important step towards justice and accountability' reflects a broader push to ensure wealth and power don't shield individuals from congressional oversight.
- The bipartisan, unanimous nature of the vote underscores that this is not viewed as a partisan attack but as a legitimate accountability measure.

## What the right says
- Rep. James Comer's framing that 'no one is above the law' emphasizes that this contempt action is about transparency and justice for survivors, not political targeting.
- Black's lawyers argue the Oversight Committee's pursuit amounts to an abuse of congressional power, suggesting due process concerns for a private citizen facing a congressional subpoena fight.
- Black voluntarily appeared for a transcribed interview in June before objecting specifically to questions about NDAs, indicating some cooperation rather than total defiance.
- The Justice Department is not obligated to act on contempt referrals, as shown by its inaction on the 2024 Merrick Garland referral, so this contempt vote may carry more symbolic than practical weight.

## Common ground
- The House Oversight Committee voted unanimously, and the full House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent with no member objecting.
- Black paid Epstein a total of $170 million between 2013 and 2017, which he has described as fees for tax and estate planning services.
- Black has denied any wrongdoing and denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activity.
- The matter now rests with the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue criminal prosecution, and has stated it takes the referral seriously.

## Sources
- [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coast-guard-fbi-boarded-energy-tankers-cyberattacks-amy-grable-iran/) (Lean Left)
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/house/6093687-house-leon-black-epstein-congress-contempt/) (Center)
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/house/6091659-leon-black-congress-contempt/) (Center)
- [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/09/16/billionaire-leon-black-held-contempt-over-epstein-investigation-subpoena/) (Lean Left)
- [Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/16/house-holds-leon-black-contempt-congress-epstein-probe-subpoena/) (Right)
- [The Guardian US](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/16/leon-black-contempt-congress-epstein) (Left)
- [PBS NewsHour](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-votes-to-hold-billionaire-leon-black-in-contempt-of-congress-over-epstein-investigation) (Lean Left)

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