Billionaire investor Leon Black ended a closed-door interview with a United States congressional committee after declining to answer questions regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) linked to an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Black had appeared voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining Epstein’s connections with influential individuals. However, the hearing came to an abrupt end after lawmakers questioned him about NDAs he may have signed.
Following his departure, the committee issued two subpoenas requiring Black to provide documents relating to the NDAs and to appear for a sworn on-camera deposition.
Committee Chairman James Comer said investigators are seeking to determine whether Epstein had any involvement in drafting the agreements, arranging payments to women, or influencing the terms of the settlements.
Black’s legal representatives confirmed that he left the interview after making his final remarks through his attorneys.
During his testimony, Black reportedly stated that he paid Epstein approximately $158 million over several years for what he described as legitimate financial and tax advisory services. Those payments have previously been examined during a Senate investigation into whether the fees were excessive or intended to conceal personal transactions.
His legal team has consistently maintained that an independent investigation commissioned by Apollo Global Management concluded the payments were for genuine tax and estate planning advice.
In his opening statement, Black said he had been deceived by Epstein and claimed he was unaware of the financier’s criminal activities until Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019.
He also expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims while firmly denying any involvement in sexual abuse, sex trafficking, relationships with underage girls, or paying Epstein to gain access to women. Black further denied ever being blackmailed by Epstein.
His attorney, Susan Estrich, criticized the subpoenas, describing them as politically motivated. She insisted that Epstein had no role in any non-disclosure agreements and argued that the committee failed to question Black about the legitimate professional services he received.
The investigation has also drawn attention to Black’s past relationship with former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, who previously filed a lawsuit alleging abuse and claiming she signed a non-disclosure agreement in 2015. The lawsuit was later dismissed by a judge, who cited the existence of the NDA and millions of dollars paid to Ganieva following the agreement.
Court records also revealed that Epstein allegedly advised Black on how to handle the dispute with Ganieva, including suggesting the use of former law enforcement officials to deliver settlement terms. Black’s attorney has rejected the allegations, while Black has previously claimed he was the target of extortion.
House Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia criticized Black’s decision to leave the interview, saying he missed an opportunity to assist the investigation and support justice for Epstein’s survivors. Garcia added that Black could face further consequences if he fails to cooperate with the committee’s ongoing investigation
