Billionaire Leon Black walks out of Epstein investigation hearing

June 27, 2026

Billionaire investor Leon Black abruptly departed from a closed-door congressional hearing investigating Jeffrey Epstein's connections after refusing to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements he allegedly signed with women. Black, who voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee, claimed he paid Epstein $158 million for legitimate tax and wealth management services over their multi-year relationship and stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities until 2019. The committee subsequently issued two subpoenas demanding Black share his NDAs and provide sworn testimony on camera, specifically wanting to understand Epstein's potential involvement in drafting these agreements and distributing settlement funds.

Who is affected

Leon Black (billionaire investor and Apollo Global Management co-founder)
Jeffrey Epstein's victims/survivors
Guzel Ganieva (former Russian model who had an affair with Black)
House Oversight Committee members (Chairman James Comer and top Democrat Robert Garcia)
Apollo Global Management
Women who signed NDAs with Black

What action is being taken

The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein's connections to wealthy and powerful individuals
The committee has issued two subpoenas for Black to share NDAs and provide an on-camera deposition under oath
Black's legal team is responding to the committee's demands

Why it matters

This investigation is significant because it seeks to expose the full extent of Jeffrey Epstein's network among influential figures and determine whether he played a role in silencing potential victims or witnesses through NDAs. The case raises important questions about whether wealthy individuals used Epstein's services beyond financial advice, potentially involving suppression of abuse allegations, and whether massive payments to Epstein masked illicit purposes. Additionally, it tests congressional oversight powers and the ability to hold powerful individuals accountable for their associations with convicted sex offenders.

What's next

Black faces potential accountability measures if he fails to comply with the investigation
Black must respond to the two subpoenas requiring him to share NDAs and give an on-camera deposition under oath
The committee will continue pursuing information about Epstein's involvement in the NDAs

Read full article from source: BBC