The Dispute Index

Was the House justified in holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress over the Epstein inquiry?

The House agreed on September 16 to hold Leon Black in contempt over two Oversight Committee subpoenas in the Epstein inquiry. Comer and Garcia say he defied them; Black's lawyers call the action retaliation and dispute the subpoenas' validity.

BackgroundWhat are the Epstein files?

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Leon Black sits against a blue background in a file photograph.
Leon Black in a file photograph. The House held Black in contempt of Congress in September 2026 after he did not comply with subpoenas in its Epstein inquiry.

Case period:

Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated

Leon BlackHouse Committee on Oversight and Government ReformJames Comer Jr.
U.S. PoliticsGovernment TransparencyPrivacy

Overview

On June 26, 2026, Leon Black appeared voluntarily for a transcribed interview in the House Oversight Committee's Epstein investigation. The committee said he declined to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements, and Chairman James Comer issued two subpoenas that day, one for a deposition and one for nondisclosure agreements. Black did not appear for the September 3 deposition and sued the committee that day; his attorneys said he had produced the only confidentiality agreement within the committee's stated purpose and that the subpoenas exceed its authority. The committee voted 41-0 on September 15 to recommend contempt, and the House agreed to the resolution by unanimous consent on September 16 with no recorded vote. Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia said Black defied the subpoenas, while Black's attorneys called the action retaliatory. The CourtListener copy of the lawsuit docket, last updated September 18, listed no ruling on Black's claims, and as of September 25, 2026 we could not locate a public Justice Department decision on the referral.

Background: What are the Epstein files?
Read the full background

The fixed reference point for classification in this case is the decision to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress over two subpoenas the House Oversight Committee issued on June 26, 2026. The committee recommended contempt on September 15, 2026, and the House agreed on September 16. Responses are recorded against that decision, not against Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, allegations about Black in the wider investigation, or the merits of Black's separate lawsuit.

The committee's report (opens in a new tab) says Black appeared voluntarily for a transcribed interview on June 26, declined to answer some questions about nondisclosure agreements, and was served with a deposition subpoena and a document subpoena. It says the deposition was moved at Black's request to September 3, that Black did not appear, and that he produced one nondisclosure agreement. The committee calls his stated reasons for non-compliance without merit.

Black's attorneys dispute that account. In a July 24 letter to Chairman Comer (opens in a new tab), they said the questions about nondisclosure agreements were unanticipated and that Black was producing the only confidentiality agreement meeting the committee's definition of relevance. Black's September 3 complaint (opens in a new tab) asks a federal court to bar enforcement of the subpoenas, alleging that they exceed the committee's delegated authority and would expose women who value their privacy. After the House acted, his attorneys said the action was politically motivated and retaliatory (opens in a new tab).

The House agreed to the resolution by unanimous consent on September 16 (opens in a new tab), with no objection and no recorded vote. The committee's recorded vote (opens in a new tab) on September 15 was 41 to 0: 20 Republicans and 21 Democrats voted aye, and six Republicans were not recorded. No other member asked to be heard after Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia spoke, according to the meeting video (opens in a new tab). As of September 25, 2026, we could not locate a public statement from a member of Congress defending Black's decision not to appear for the deposition.

The resolution directs the Speaker to certify the committee's report to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. ABC News (opens in a new tab) reported that Speaker Mike Johnson must certify the resolution before it goes to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and, as CNBC (opens in a new tab) reported, a Justice Department spokesperson said the department expects to receive the referral and will review it carefully. As of September 25, 2026, we could not locate a public report that the report had been certified or that the U.S. Attorney's Office had announced a decision. The CourtListener copy of the court docket (opens in a new tab) for Black's lawsuit, last updated September 18, listed filings through September 9 and no ruling on Black's claims.

People in this case

Timeline

12 timeline entries on this page. Dates: June 26, 2026 to October 6, 2026

  1. June 2026

    1. Black appears for a voluntary interview and Comer issues two subpoenas

      Incident

      Leon Black appeared voluntarily for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee, which Chairman James Comer had requested in a March 3 letter. Comer said Black stated he would not answer questions about nondisclosure agreements, and issued two subpoenas during the interview: one for a deposition on July 16 and one for nondisclosure agreements. Black's attorneys later said the interview was halted by unanticipated questioning about nondisclosure agreements.

      [01]House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

      Source excerpt

      During today's voluntary transcribed interview, Mr. Black stated he wouldn't answer questions about NDAs.

      Committee release announcing that Comer issued a deposition subpoena and a nondisclosure-agreement subpoena to Black during his June 26, 2026 voluntary interview.

      Chairman Comer Issues Two Subpoenas to Leon Black · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull release
      [02]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law.

      The committee's report on the contempt resolution. It sets out the subpoena history, the committee's account of Black's non-compliance, its response to the reasons Black gave, and the recorded committee vote. It states the committee's position, not a court finding.

      House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration
      [03]Free Law Project

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black is today producing the only confidentiality agreement that remotely meets this definition of relevance.

      Black's counsel's response to the committee's document subpoena, filed publicly as an exhibit to the complaint. It states Black's account of the June 26 interview and his reasons for producing one agreement.

      Letter from Black's counsel (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader) to Chairman Comer, July 24, 2026 (Exhibit D to the complaint) · Free Law ProjectExhibit D, pages 1-3

  2. July 2026

    1. Black's counsel objects to the document subpoena and produces one agreement

      Claim

      In a letter to Comer, Black's counsel at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader said Black was producing the only confidentiality agreement that, in their view, met the committee's stated definition of relevance. The letter objected that the request for all nondisclosure agreements went beyond the committee's investigation and would affect the privacy of other people. The committee's report later said the request required all such agreements and rejected the objection.

      [03]Free Law Project

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black is today producing the only confidentiality agreement that remotely meets this definition of relevance.

      Black's counsel's response to the committee's document subpoena, filed publicly as an exhibit to the complaint. It states Black's account of the June 26 interview and his reasons for producing one agreement.

      Letter from Black's counsel (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader) to Chairman Comer, July 24, 2026 (Exhibit D to the complaint) · Free Law ProjectExhibit D, pages 1-3
      [02]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law.

      The committee's report on the contempt resolution. It sets out the subpoena history, the committee's account of Black's non-compliance, its response to the reasons Black gave, and the recorded committee vote. It states the committee's position, not a court finding.

      House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration

  3. August 2026

    1. Comer rejects Black's objections and says contempt is among the committee's tools

      Claim

      Comer wrote to Black's counsel that the committee rejected the July 24 objections and that full compliance required all nondisclosure agreements to which Black is a party. The letter said that if Black did not provide responsive documents or appear for his September 3 deposition, the committee would use all tools at its disposal, including contempt. Black's attorney Susan Estrich said that night that the letter misrepresented the facts, according to The Guardian.

      [04]Free Law Project

      Source excerpt

      If Mr. Black refuses to provide the Committee with responsive documents or refuses to appear for his scheduled deposition on September 3, 2026, the Committee will use all tools at its disposal, including contempt.

      Comer's reply to Black's counsel, filed publicly as an exhibit to the complaint. It rejects the July 24 objections and warns that contempt is among the tools the committee would use.

      Letter from Chairman Comer to Black's counsel, August 18, 2026 (Exhibit E to the complaint) · Free Law ProjectExhibit E, closing paragraphs
      [05]The Guardian

      Source excerpt

      If Mr Black refuses to provide the Committee with responsive documents or refuses to appear for his scheduled deposition on September 3, 2026, the Committee will use all tools at its disposal, including contempt

      Report on Comer's August 18 letter and on the response from Black's attorney Susan Estrich.

      Epstein client Leon Black threatened with contempt by House panel chair · The GuardianFull article

  4. September 2026

    1. Black does not appear for his deposition

      Incident

      Black did not appear for the deposition scheduled for 10:00 a.m., which had been moved from July 16 at his request. The committee's report says his counsel sent a letter hours before saying Black respectfully declined to provide deposition testimony that day. Comer said the deposition would go forward for the record with an empty chair for Black.

      [02]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law.

      The committee's report on the contempt resolution. It sets out the subpoena history, the committee's account of Black's non-compliance, its response to the reasons Black gave, and the recorded committee vote. It states the committee's position, not a court finding.

      House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration
      [06]House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

      Source excerpt

      there will be an empty chair for Mr. Black.

      Chairman Comer's statement on September 3, 2026, when Black did not appear for his deposition and had filed a lawsuit.

      Chairman Comer Issues Statement on Leon Black Not Appearing for Deposition · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull statement

    2. Black sues the committee and Comer in federal court

      Claim

      Black filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the House Oversight Committee and Comer, No. 1:26-cv-03084, assigned to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. The complaint alleges that the subpoenas are invalid to the extent they exceed the committee's delegated authority and that they would expose women who value their privacy. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against enforcement of the subpoenas.

      [07]Free Law Project

      Source excerpt

      The subpoenas are invalid to the extent they exceed OGR’s delegated authority in seeking private information that bears no legitimate connection to OGR’s legislative purpose.

      Black's federal complaint against the committee and Chairman Comer. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against enforcement of the two subpoenas. The allegations are Black's, not court findings.

      Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026) · Free Law ProjectDoc. 1, page 1 and Introduction
      [08]Free Law Project

      Source excerpt

      COMPLAINT against JAMES COMER, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM

      Court docket for Black's lawsuit, assigned to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. The entries viewed run from the complaint on September 3 through appearance filings on September 9 and include no ruling.

      Docket: Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C.) · Free Law ProjectDocket entries 1 to 10 (Sept. 3 to Sept. 9, 2026), viewed Sept. 25, 2026

    3. Comer announces a markup of a contempt resolution

      Comer announced a September 15 committee markup to consider a resolution and report recommending that the House find Black in contempt of Congress for what the announcement called "defying lawful subpoenas." Comer said the committee would defend Congress's constitutional authority and take action to hold Black accountable.

      [09]House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

      Source excerpt

      announced a markup on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to consider a resolution and accompanying report recommending to the U.S. House of Representatives that Leon Black be found in contempt of Congress for defying lawful subpoenas.

      Committee announcement of the September 15 markup of the contempt resolution, with Comer's statement of why the committee would act.

      Chairman Comer Announces Markup of Resolution to Hold Leon Black in Contempt of Congress · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull release

    4. Black's attorneys ask the committee to postpone the markup and file an ethics complaint

      Claim

      Black's attorneys sent letters to Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia asking the committee to postpone its contempt markup until members had all material information, the Office of Congressional Conduct had reviewed a complaint about Comer, and the court had ruled on Black's lawsuit. They said they had filed a confidential complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct that morning, alleging conduct by Comer relating to the deposition that they said may violate House rules.

      [10]Statement from Leon Black’s Attorneys on Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Mark-up and Contempt Resolution

      Source excerpt

      This is retaliation - plain and simple.

      Paid press release from Black's attorneys, distributed through Business Wire, responding to the committee's markup and contempt resolution. It says the attorneys submitted letters to the committee and filed a confidential complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct.

      Statement from Leon Black’s Attorneys on Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Mark-up and Contempt ResolutionBusiness Wire release dated Sept. 15, 2026, as republished by Yahoo Finance
      [11]Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy

      Source excerpt

      we respectfully request that you postpone the Committee’s consideration of the proposed contempt resolution until

      Letter from Black's counsel asking the committee to postpone the September 15 markup until members had all material information, the Office of Congressional Conduct had reviewed a complaint about Comer, and the court had ruled on Black's lawsuit.

      Letter from Black's counsel to Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Garcia requesting postponement of the contempt markup (September 15, 2026) · Levin Center for Oversight and DemocracyLetter, pages 1-3

    5. Oversight Committee votes 41-0 to report the contempt resolution

      Incident

      At a business meeting, the committee adopted by voice vote an amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Comer, then approved the report by a recorded vote of 41 ayes to 0 noes. The roll call sheet shows 20 Republicans and 21 Democrats voting aye, with six Republicans not recorded. No other member asked to be heard after Comer and Ranking Member Robert Garcia spoke, according to the meeting video.

      [02]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law.

      The committee's report on the contempt resolution. It sets out the subpoena history, the committee's account of Black's non-compliance, its response to the reasons Black gave, and the recorded committee vote. It states the committee's position, not a court finding.

      House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration
      [12]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      Roll Call Totals: Ayes: 41 Nays: 0

      Committee roll call sheet for the vote to report the contempt resolution. It records 41 ayes and 0 noes, with 20 Republicans and 21 Democrats voting aye and six Republican members not recorded.

      Committee on Oversight and Government Reform roll call, Vote #1: Favorably Reporting the Leon D. Black Contempt Report (September 15, 2026) · United States CongressVote #1
      [13]House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

      Source excerpt

      Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 41, the nays are 0.

      Committee video of the September 15 markup of the Black contempt resolution. It shows Chairman Comer's opening remarks, Ranking Member Garcia's remarks, the chair's call for other members to be heard, and the announced vote total.

      Full Committee Business Meeting (House Oversight Committee, September 15, 2026) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformComer opening remarks from about 0:50; Garcia remarks from about 3:45; roll call and vote total after Garcia's remarks

    6. Comer proposes limits on sexual-abuse nondisclosure agreements

      Source release

      Comer introduced H.R. 10389 following the committee's Epstein and Maxwell inquiry. The bill would prevent nondisclosure clauses from barring disclosure of sexual abuse, including in existing agreements. The proposal concerns the broader inquiry in which Black's agreements were sought; it did not itself change his legal obligations.

      [14]Comer introduces the Survivor's Voice Protection Act

      H.R. 10389 was proposed following the broader Epstein and Maxwell inquiry. The release describes a bill, not an enacted change to Black's obligations.

      Comer introduces the Survivor's Voice Protection ActOpening announcement; 'Specifically, the bill would' bullets on nondisclosure agreements and existing contracts.

    7. House agrees to H. Res. 1543 by unanimous consent

      Incident

      Comer asked unanimous consent to call up H. Res. 1543 and for its immediate consideration. There was no objection, and the resolution was agreed to without a recorded vote. It finds Black in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with the June 26 deposition and document subpoenas and directs the Speaker to certify the committee's report to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

      [15]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      There was no objection.

      Official record of the House floor action on H. Res. 1543: Comer's request for unanimous consent, the absence of objection, and agreement to the resolution.

      Congressional Record, House, September 16, 2026, page H5931: Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress · United States CongressPage H5931
      [16]United States Congress

      Source excerpt

      On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

      Congress.gov action history for H. Res. 1543. It lists consideration by unanimous consent and agreement to the resolution without objection on September 16, 2026.

      H.Res.1543 - All Actions (119th Congress) · United States CongressActions dated 09/16/2026, 2:35 pm and 2:36 pm
      [17]House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

      Source excerpt

      Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the U.S. House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress.

      Chairman Comer's statement after the House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent.

      Chairman Comer Statement on Leon Black Being Found in Contempt of Congress · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull statement and background

    8. Justice Department says it expects the referral

      Reaction

      A Justice Department spokesperson said the department expects to receive the referral from the House Oversight Committee and takes allegations of contempt of Congress seriously. The spokesperson also said the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia will review the referral carefully. ABC News reported that Speaker Mike Johnson must certify the resolution before it is sent to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

      [18]ABC News

      Source excerpt

      The Department of Justice is expecting to receive the referral from House Oversight Committee and takes allegations of contempt of Congress seriously

      ABC News report on the House action, the certification step before referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and the Justice Department's statement.

      House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe · ABC NewsParagraphs on the referral and the Justice Department statement
      [19]CNBC

      Source excerpt

      The House of Representatives has rushed through every stage of this inquiry.

      CNBC report on the House action. It quotes Black's attorneys at length and a Justice Department spokesperson's statement about the expected referral.

      House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein subpoenas defiance · CNBCParagraphs quoting Black's attorneys and the Justice Department spokesperson

  5. October 2026

    1. Protesters cite Black's contempt finding outside MoMA

      Reaction

      Activists and Epstein survivors stage a document exhibition near MoMA calling for Leon Black to leave its board. Organizers cite his contempt-of-Congress finding. Black's spokesperson rejects the campaign and denies the underlying abuse allegations.

      [20]Pop-up exhibition outside MoMA highlights connections between trustee Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein

      The protest concerns Black's museum role and cites his contempt referral. Black denies the underlying sexual-abuse allegations; the referral does not establish those allegations.

      Pop-up exhibition outside MoMA highlights connections between trustee Leon Black and Jeffrey EpsteinReport of the October 6 protest, paragraph on contempt, and response from Black's spokesperson

Claims

Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.

What's disputed

Disputed claim

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said in House Report 119-831 that Leon Black willfully failed to comply with its June 26, 2026 deposition subpoena and document subpoena, and that his stated reasons for not complying are without merit.

Sources (1)

Disputed claim

Susan Estrich

Susan Estrich and Aaron Cutler, attorneys for Leon Black, said Black gave the Oversight Committee the only confidentiality agreement that Jeffrey Epstein knew about and that the committee has continued to insist on looking for information that does not exist.

Sources (2)

Response record

Responses

Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.

4 matching responses. Newest first.

  1. James Comer Jr.House Oversight Committee chairmanDirectly involved

    Before this statement

    Comer's statement followed the full House's September 16 contempt action against Black.

    "No one is above the law. Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the U.S. House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress."
    Defended or excused

    Case context: Was the House justified in holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress over the Epstein inquiry?

    Full statement and sources

    Comer said Black defied two subpoenas and that the House acted swiftly to find him in contempt. He said the committee would continue to seek transparency for the American people and justice for survivors in its investigation of the federal government's handling of the Epstein and Maxwell criminal cases.

    After the statement

    He said the committee would continue to seek transparency for the American people and justice for survivors in its investigation of the federal government's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell criminal cases.

    Chairman Comer Statement on Leon Black Being Found in Contempt of Congress · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull statement and background

    Why this label?

    The case's reference point is the decision to hold Leon Black in contempt over two subpoenas. Comer, whose committee issued the subpoenas, says Black "defied two subpoenas" and that the House "acted swiftly" to find him in contempt, and he ties the action to the principle that "No one is above the law". That is a defense of the decision. Challenged the characterization is the closest competing label; it loses because Comer supports the action itself and does not dispute a description of it.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

    Read statementLink to this statement
  2. James Comer Jr.Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, in opening remarks at a committee markupDirectly involved

    Before this statement

    The committee said Black failed to appear for his September 3, 2026 deposition, withheld nondisclosure agreements and sued Comer and the committee.

    "I subpoenaed Leon Black for testimony and documents critical to our investigation, but he has refused to comply. Leon Black is legally required to appear for a deposition before the Oversight Committee and required to turn over all non-disclosure agreements to which he was a party. The Committee also asked for all NDAs and confidentiality agreements that Epstein and Maxwell were involved or referenced in. He defied Congress and refused to do either. Instead, Mr. Black is hiding behind litigation to delay having to provide answers to the American people. No one is above the law. ... Subpoenas are not suggestions. They carry the force of law and require full compliance. ... We made it clear to Mr. Black and his attorneys that if he did not comply, then the Committee would initiate contempt proceedings. We have no choice but to hold him in contempt."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said in House Report 119-831 that Leon Black willfully failed to comply with its June 26, 2026 deposition subpoena and document subpoena, and that his stated reasons for not complying are without merit.

    Full statement and sources

    In opening remarks at the committee's September 15 markup, Chairman James Comer said Black was legally required to appear for a deposition and to turn over all nondisclosure agreements to which he was a party, and that he refused to do either. Comer said Black was hiding behind litigation, that "Subpoenas are not suggestions" and that the committee had told Black and his attorneys it would begin contempt proceedings if he did not comply.

    After the statement

    The committee then voted 41 to 0 to report the resolution to the full House, according to the vote total announced at the meeting.

    Oversight Committee Republicans and Democrats Hold Leon Black in Contempt for Defying Lawful Subpoenas · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformChairman Comer's opening remarks as prepared for delivery
    Full Committee Business Meeting (House Oversight Committee, September 15, 2026) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformComer opening remarks from about 0:50; Garcia remarks from about 3:45; roll call and vote total after Garcia's remarks

    Why this label?

    Relative to the decision to hold Black in contempt, Comer argues that Black was required to comply, was using litigation to avoid answering and left the committee no choice. He advocates the contempt action itself, which is a defense of it rather than a dispute over how it is described.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

    Read statementLink to this statement
  3. House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformHouse committee, in its report on the contempt resolution submitted by Chairman James ComerDirectly involved

    Before this statement

    Comer issued a deposition subpoena and a document subpoena to Black on June 26, 2026. The report says the deposition was moved at Black's request to September 3, that Black's counsel declined to give deposition testimony in a letter hours before it began, and that Black sued the committee that day.

    "Mr. Black invoked no valid reason for refusing to appear for a deposition and refusing to produce all non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) referencing Epstein or Maxwell as well as all NDAs to which he is a party, and the Oversight Committee's efforts to persuade him to testify and produce documents have reached an impasse. ... A lawful, duly issued congressional subpoena preempts any terms of confidentiality in an NDA and it is the prerogative of the Oversight Committee to consider or weigh privacy concerns against its investigative needs. ... Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said in House Report 119-831 that Leon Black willfully failed to comply with its June 26, 2026 deposition subpoena and document subpoena, and that his stated reasons for not complying are without merit.

    Full statement and sources

    In House Report 119-831, the committee said Leon Black invoked no valid reason for refusing to appear for a deposition or to produce all the nondisclosure agreements it subpoenaed. It said a lawful subpoena "preempts any terms of confidentiality in an NDA" and that the committee, not the witness, weighs third-party privacy against its investigative needs. It concluded that his refusal warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

    After the statement

    The committee approved the report by a recorded vote of 41 to 0 on September 15. The House agreed to the resolution on September 16 by unanimous consent.

    House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration
    Congressional Record, House, September 16, 2026, page H5931: Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress · United States CongressPage H5931

    Why this label?

    Relative to the decision to hold Black in contempt, the committee argues that Black's stated reasons for not complying do not excuse it and asks the House to adopt the contempt resolution. That is a defense of the action itself, which separates it from a statement that only disputes how the action is described.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

    Read statementLink to this statement
  4. Leon BlackPlaintiff in Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (D.D.C. No. 1:26-cv-03084), in a complaint signed by his attorneys at Hogan Lovells CadwaladerDirectly involved

    Before this statement

    In an August 18, 2026 letter to Black's counsel, Chairman Comer wrote that if Black refused to provide responsive documents or to appear for his scheduled September 3 deposition, "the Committee will use all tools at its disposal, including contempt". Black filed this complaint on September 3, 2026.

    "The subpoenas are invalid to the extent they exceed OGR’s delegated authority in seeking private information that bears no legitimate connection to OGR’s legislative purpose. ... And they have left Mr. Black with a Hobson’s choice: to surrender private and confidential information that OGR has no lawful authority to demand or to maintain his well-founded objections and face actual or threatened contempt proceedings and federal court enforcement of an overbroad subpoena. ... OGR has used the threat of contempt and enforcement not to obtain information tied to a valid legislative purpose, but to pressure Mr. Black to abandon lawful objections in pursuit of news headlines. That use of process is coercive."
    Condemned

    Responding to: In a federal complaint, Leon Black alleged that the House Oversight Committee's two subpoenas are invalid to the extent they exceed its delegated authority by seeking private information that has no legitimate connection to its legislative purpose.

    Full statement and sources

    In a complaint filed in federal court on September 3, 2026, Leon Black asked a judge to declare the committee's two subpoenas invalid and unenforceable. The complaint says the subpoenas exceed the committee's delegated authority and that the committee "has used the threat of contempt and enforcement" to "pressure Mr. Black to abandon lawful objections in pursuit of news headlines". It calls this "use of process" "coercive" and describes his choice as a "Hobson's choice" between surrendering private information and facing "actual or threatened contempt proceedings".

    After the statement

    The committee voted 41 to 0 on September 15, 2026 to recommend contempt, and the House agreed to the resolution by unanimous consent on September 16. The CourtListener copy of the docket, last updated September 18, listed no ruling on Black's claims.

    Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026) · Free Law ProjectDoc. 1, pages 1, 5, 16 and 26 to 27: opening paragraph, paragraphs 10, 49 to 51 and 93, and prayer for relief
    Letter from Chairman Comer to Black's counsel, August 18, 2026 (Exhibit E to the complaint) · Free Law ProjectExhibit E, closing paragraphs
    Committee on Oversight and Government Reform roll call, Vote #1: Favorably Reporting the Leon D. Black Contempt Report (September 15, 2026) · United States CongressVote #1
    Congressional Record, House, September 16, 2026, page H5931: Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress · United States CongressPage H5931
    Docket: Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C.) · Free Law ProjectDocket entries 1 to 10 (Sept. 3 to Sept. 9, 2026), viewed Sept. 25, 2026

    Why this label?

    Relative to the decision to hold Black in contempt, which the committee first threatened on August 18 and the House approved on September 16, the complaint calls the threat of contempt coercive and the subpoenas invalid. It was filed twelve days before the committee's vote and predates the resolution, so it addresses the threat rather than the later decision. It rejects the basis for that threat, which is stronger than disputing a description, so condemns fits better than “Challenged the characterization”.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

    Read statementLink to this statement

Sources

(42)

Original text

House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

House Report 119-831: Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply With Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (opens in a new tab) · United States CongressExecutive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Executive Summary; sections D and E; Conclusion; Committee Consideration

Excerpt

"Mr. Black's willful refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee's subpoenas constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution as prescribed by law."

About this source

The committee's report on the contempt resolution. It sets out the subpoena history, the committee's account of Black's non-compliance, its response to the reasons Black gave, and the recorded committee vote. It states the committee's position, not a court finding.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (submitted by Chairman James Comer)
Published
Accessed

Reporting

Pop-up exhibition outside MoMA highlights connections between trustee Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein

Pop-up exhibition outside MoMA highlights connections between trustee Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein (opens in a new tab)Report of the October 6 protest, paragraph on contempt, and response from Black's spokesperson
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Report of the October 6 protest, paragraph on contempt, and response from Black's spokesperson

About this source

The protest concerns Black's museum role and cites his contempt referral. Black denies the underlying sexual-abuse allegations; the referral does not establish those allegations.

Author
Isa Farfan / The Art Newspaper
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Comer introduces the Survivor's Voice Protection Act

Comer introduces the Survivor's Voice Protection Act (opens in a new tab)Opening announcement; 'Specifically, the bill would' bullets on nondisclosure agreements and existing contracts.
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Opening announcement; 'Specifically, the bill would' bullets on nondisclosure agreements and existing contracts.

About this source

H.R. 10389 was proposed following the broader Epstein and Maxwell inquiry. The release describes a bill, not an enacted change to Black's obligations.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original text

Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026)

Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · Free Law ProjectDoc. 1, pages 1, 5, 16 and 26 to 27: opening paragraph, paragraphs 10, 49 to 51 and 93, and prayer for relief
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Doc. 1, pages 1, 5, 16 and 26 to 27: opening paragraph, paragraphs 10, 49 to 51 and 93, and prayer for relief

Excerpt

"OGR has used the threat of contempt and enforcement not to obtain information tied to a valid legislative purpose, but to pressure Mr. Black to abandon lawful objections in pursuit of news headlines. That use of process is coercive."

About this source

Black's federal complaint against the committee and Chairman Comer, signed by his attorneys at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. Paragraphs 10, 49 to 51 and 93 describe the committee's August 18 warning of contempt and Black's objection to it. The allegations are Black's, not court findings.

Author
Leon D. Black, plaintiff, through counsel
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

About - Point of Order

About - Point of Order (opens in a new tab) · Michael SternAbout page
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: About page

Excerpt

"He served as Senior Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 to 2004."

About this source

Author biography on the blog Point of Order.

Author
Michael Stern
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Analysis

Leon Black’s Frivolous Lawsuit (Point of Order)

Leon Black’s Frivolous Lawsuit (Point of Order) (opens in a new tab) · Michael SternSections headed Legal Analysis and Conclusion
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Sections headed Legal Analysis and Conclusion

Excerpt

"Black’s lawsuit must fail because it is well-settled that courts lack power to restrain congressional committees from issuing or enforcing a subpoena"

About this source

Blog post by an attorney and former House counsel analyzing Black's federal lawsuit against the Oversight Committee and Chairman Comer.

Author
Michael Stern
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original text

Letter from Sen. Ron Wyden to Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Garcia regarding Leon Black's financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein (June 4, 2026)

Letter from Sen. Ron Wyden to Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Garcia regarding Leon Black's financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein (June 4, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · Ron WydenLetter, page 1
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Letter, page 1

Excerpt

"my staff at the Senate Committee on Finance have been investigating the financing of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation for several years."

About this source

Letter signed by Wyden as Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent to the Oversight Committee's chairman and ranking member before Black's planned deposition.

Author
Ron Wyden
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original post

Sen. Ron Wyden on X: "No surprise Black is doing everything in his power to dodge questions from Congress."

Sen. Ron Wyden on X: "No surprise Black is doing everything in his power to dodge questions from Congress." (opens in a new tab) · Ron WydenPost quoting an Associated Press post, Sept. 17, 2026, 11:26 a.m. ET

Excerpt

"No surprise Black is doing everything in his power to dodge questions from Congress."

About this source

Post by a U.S. senator that quotes an Associated Press post reporting that the House held Black in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas in the Epstein investigation.

Author
Ron Wyden
Published
Accessed

Original post

Rep. Yassamin Ansari on X: "The House just unanimously approved our Oversight contempt resolution for Leon Black"

Rep. Yassamin Ansari on X: "The House just unanimously approved our Oversight contempt resolution for Leon Black" (opens in a new tab) · Yassamin AnsariPost, Sept. 16, 2026, 3:23 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"Congressional subpoenas are binding, not suggestions."

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee, published after the House agreed to the contempt resolution.

Author
Yassamin Ansari
Published
Accessed

Interview

CNN News Central, Sept. 3, 2026: Interview with Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM): Billionaire Leon Black Sues, Refuses to Testify in House Epstein Probe

CNN News Central, Sept. 3, 2026: Interview with Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM): Billionaire Leon Black Sues, Refuses to Testify in House Epstein Probe (opens in a new tab) · CNNTranscript, segment aired 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Transcript, segment aired 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"So we will refer him for criminal contempt."

About this source

CNN transcript of an interview with a member of the Oversight Committee on the day Black did not appear for his deposition. The anchor asks whether Black's lawsuit complicates the effort to hold him in contempt.

Author
CNN News Central (interview with Rep. Melanie Stansbury)
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original post

Rep. Jasmine Crockett on X: "Leon Black didn’t show up for his Oversight deposition today"

Rep. Jasmine Crockett on X: "Leon Black didn’t show up for his Oversight deposition today" (opens in a new tab) · Jasmine CrockettPost, Sept. 3, 2026, 3:02 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"We’ve had enough with the games. Oversight Democrats are demanding he be held in contempt."

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee on the day Black did not appear for his deposition.

Author
Jasmine Crockett
Published
Accessed

Original post

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on X: "A billionaire cannot sue his way out of a subpoena. You’ve been served, sir. Show up or be held in contempt."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on X: "A billionaire cannot sue his way out of a subpoena. You’ve been served, sir. Show up or be held in contempt." (opens in a new tab) · Anna Paulina LunaPost quoting a CNBC report, Sept. 3, 2026, 1:46 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"A billionaire cannot sue his way out of a subpoena. You’ve been served, sir. Show up or be held in contempt."

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee that quotes a CNBC report that Black had sued the committee and would not appear on Thursday.

Author
Anna Paulina Luna
Published
Accessed

Original post

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on X: "Leon Black is knowingly defying a congressional subpoena. This is CONTEMPT of Congress."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on X: "Leon Black is knowingly defying a congressional subpoena. This is CONTEMPT of Congress." (opens in a new tab) · Anna Paulina LunaPost, Sept. 3, 2026, 1:16 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"Leon Black is knowingly defying a congressional subpoena. This is CONTEMPT of Congress."

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee on the day Black did not appear for his deposition.

Author
Anna Paulina Luna
Published
Accessed

Reporting

House Holds Billionaire Leon Black In Contempt For Not Testifying About Epstein

House Holds Billionaire Leon Black In Contempt For Not Testifying About Epstein (opens in a new tab) · ForbesSection headed Chief Critic
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Section headed Chief Critic

Excerpt

"The Committee has continued to insist on looking for information that does not exist,"

About this source

Forbes report on the House action. It states the House acted by unanimous consent with no debate or roll call and quotes Black's attorneys.

Author
Alison Durkee, Forbes
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Reporting

House holds billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt over Epstein probe

House holds billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt over Epstein probe (opens in a new tab) · CNNParagraphs quoting Black's attorneys
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Black's attorneys

Excerpt

"The Committee has continued to insist on looking for information that does not exist."

About this source

CNN report on the House action that quotes Black's attorneys on the agreement Black gave the committee.

Author
Annie Grayer, CNN
Published
Accessed

Reporting

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe (opens in a new tab) · ABC NewsParagraphs on the referral and the Justice Department statement
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the referral and the Justice Department statement

Excerpt

"The Department of Justice is expecting to receive the referral from House Oversight Committee and takes allegations of contempt of Congress seriously"

About this source

ABC News report on the House action, the certification step before referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and the Justice Department's statement.

Author
ABC News
Published
Accessed

Reporting

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · PoliticoParagraphs quoting Black's attorneys
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Black's attorneys

Excerpt

"We intend to pursue our litigation challenging this action"

About this source

Politico report on the House action that quotes the attorneys' statement and Comer's and Garcia's statements.

Author
Politico
Published
Accessed

Reporting

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein subpoenas defiance

House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein subpoenas defiance (opens in a new tab) · CNBCParagraphs quoting Black's attorneys and the Justice Department spokesperson
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Black's attorneys and the Justice Department spokesperson

Excerpt

"The House of Representatives has rushed through every stage of this inquiry."

About this source

CNBC report on the House action. It quotes Black's attorneys at length and a Justice Department spokesperson's statement about the expected referral.

Author
CNBC
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Reporting

House votes to hold Epstein associate Leon Black in contempt of Congress

House votes to hold Epstein associate Leon Black in contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · NBC NewsParagraphs quoting Black's attorneys
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Black's attorneys

Excerpt

"The full House is holding him in contempt without any regard to the active litigation challenging the lawfulness of the Committee’s actions and the ethics complaint against Chairman Comer"

About this source

NBC News report on the House action that quotes the statement from Black's attorneys, Comer and Garcia.

Author
Kyle Stewart and Dareh Gregorian, NBC News
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Reporting

Epstein client Leon Black threatened with contempt by House panel chair

Epstein client Leon Black threatened with contempt by House panel chair (opens in a new tab) · The GuardianFull article
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full article

Excerpt

"If Mr Black refuses to provide the Committee with responsive documents or refuses to appear for his scheduled deposition on September 3, 2026, the Committee will use all tools at its disposal, including contempt"

About this source

Report on Comer's August 18 letter and on the response from Black's attorney Susan Estrich.

Author
The Guardian
Published
Accessed

Original text

Letter from Chairman Comer to Black's counsel, August 18, 2026 (Exhibit E to the complaint)

Letter from Chairman Comer to Black's counsel, August 18, 2026 (Exhibit E to the complaint) (opens in a new tab) · Free Law ProjectExhibit E, closing paragraphs
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Exhibit E, closing paragraphs

Excerpt

"If Mr. Black refuses to provide the Committee with responsive documents or refuses to appear for his scheduled deposition on September 3, 2026, the Committee will use all tools at its disposal, including contempt."

About this source

Comer's reply to Black's counsel, filed publicly as an exhibit to the complaint. It rejects the July 24 objections and warns that contempt is among the tools the committee would use.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Chairman James Comer)
Published
Accessed

Original text

Letter from Black's counsel (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader) to Chairman Comer, July 24, 2026 (Exhibit D to the complaint)

Letter from Black's counsel (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader) to Chairman Comer, July 24, 2026 (Exhibit D to the complaint) (opens in a new tab) · Free Law ProjectExhibit D, pages 1-3
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Exhibit D, pages 1-3

Excerpt

"Mr. Black is today producing the only confidentiality agreement that remotely meets this definition of relevance."

About this source

Black's counsel's response to the committee's document subpoena, filed publicly as an exhibit to the complaint. It states Black's account of the June 26 interview and his reasons for producing one agreement.

Author
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP, counsel for Leon Black
Published
Accessed

Original text

Docket: Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C.)

Docket: Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C.) (opens in a new tab) · Free Law ProjectDocket entries 1 to 10 (Sept. 3 to Sept. 9, 2026), viewed Sept. 25, 2026
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Docket entries 1 to 10 (Sept. 3 to Sept. 9, 2026), viewed Sept. 25, 2026

Excerpt

"COMPLAINT against JAMES COMER, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM"

About this source

Court docket for Black's lawsuit, assigned to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. The entries viewed run from the complaint on September 3 through appearance filings on September 9 and include no ruling.

Author
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (via CourtListener)
Published
Accessed

Original text

Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026)

Complaint, Black v. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, No. 1:26-cv-03084 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 3, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · Free Law ProjectDoc. 1, page 1 and Introduction
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Doc. 1, page 1 and Introduction

Excerpt

"The subpoenas are invalid to the extent they exceed OGR’s delegated authority in seeking private information that bears no legitimate connection to OGR’s legislative purpose."

About this source

Black's federal complaint against the committee and Chairman Comer. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against enforcement of the two subpoenas. The allegations are Black's, not court findings.

Author
Leon D. Black, plaintiff, through counsel
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original text

Letter from Black's counsel to Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Garcia requesting postponement of the contempt markup (September 15, 2026)

Letter from Black's counsel to Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Garcia requesting postponement of the contempt markup (September 15, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · Levin Center for Oversight and DemocracyLetter, pages 1-3
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Letter, pages 1-3

Excerpt

"we respectfully request that you postpone the Committee’s consideration of the proposed contempt resolution until"

About this source

Letter from Black's counsel asking the committee to postpone the September 15 markup until members had all material information, the Office of Congressional Conduct had reviewed a complaint about Comer, and the court had ruled on Black's lawsuit.

Author
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP and Estrich Goldin LLP, counsel for Leon Black
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Statement from Leon Black’s Attorneys on Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Mark-up and Contempt Resolution

Statement from Leon Black’s Attorneys on Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Mark-up and Contempt Resolution (opens in a new tab)Business Wire release dated Sept. 15, 2026, as republished by Yahoo Finance
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Business Wire release dated Sept. 15, 2026, as republished by Yahoo Finance

Excerpt

"This is retaliation - plain and simple."

About this source

Paid press release from Black's attorneys, distributed through Business Wire, responding to the committee's markup and contempt resolution. It says the attorneys submitted letters to the committee and filed a confidential complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct.

Author
Susan Estrich (Estrich Goldin) and Aaron Cutler (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader), attorneys for Leon Black
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Reporting

House holds Leon Black in contempt over Epstein subpoenas

House holds Leon Black in contempt over Epstein subpoenas (opens in a new tab) · USA TodayParagraph naming Annie Farmer and Dani Bensky
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Paragraph naming Annie Farmer and Dani Bensky

Excerpt

"A group of more than a dozen Epstein survivors including Annie Farmer and Dani Bensky issued a statement"

About this source

Report on the House vote that names Annie Farmer and Dani Bensky among the survivors who signed the joint statement.

Author
USA TODAY
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Reporting

Epstein survivors praise House panel over Leon Black contempt vote

Epstein survivors praise House panel over Leon Black contempt vote (opens in a new tab) · The GuardianFirst four paragraphs
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: First four paragraphs

Excerpt

"We commend Chairman Comer for showing real resolve in pursuing accountability in the Epstein investigation"

About this source

Report on the survivors' joint statement and on the committee's 41-0 vote.

Author
The Guardian
Published
Accessed

Original post

Epstein Survivors Applaud Chairman James Comer, House Oversight Committee for Holding Leon Black in Contempt of Congress (press release posted on X by Aaron Parnas)

Epstein Survivors Applaud Chairman James Comer, House Oversight Committee for Holding Leon Black in Contempt of Congress (press release posted on X by Aaron Parnas) (opens in a new tab) · Aaron ParnasPress release image attached to X post, Sept. 16, 2026, 10:25 a.m. ET

Excerpt

"Chairman Comer is sending a clear message that wealth and influence do not put anyone beyond the reach of congressional oversight."

About this source

Joint press release dated September 16, 2026, signed by Epstein survivors, posted as an image on X. The signature block lists named signers and several signers identified as Jane Doe.

Author
Epstein survivors (signers include Annie Farmer and Dani Bensky)
Published
Accessed

Interview

'He should be held in contempt': Oversight Rep. on Leon Black DEFYING subpoena in Epstein probe

'He should be held in contempt': Oversight Rep. on Leon Black DEFYING subpoena in Epstein probe (opens in a new tab) · MS NOWWalkinshaw's answer about 1:05 to 1:20

Rep. James Walkinshaw answers a question about Leon Black and the Oversight Committee subpoena, on MS NOW's "On the Line with Alicia Menendez," Sept. 3, 2026.

Excerpt from 0:56 to 1:20 of the MS NOW video. Taken from MS NOW's own video page. The MS NOW YouTube upload cited for this source shows the same video. DI added its logo in the corner.

Video: MS NOW. Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary

Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Walkinshaw's answer about 1:05 to 1:20)

Excerpt

"Absolutely. Look, complying with a congressional subpoena is not optional."

About this source

MS NOW interview with a member of the Oversight Committee on the day Black did not appear for his deposition. The anchor asks whether the committee should hold Black in contempt immediately.

Author
MS NOW (interview with Rep. James Walkinshaw)
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original post

Rep. Nancy Mace on X: "Leon Black must be held in contempt"

Rep. Nancy Mace on X: "Leon Black must be held in contempt" (opens in a new tab) · Nancy MacePost, Sept. 3, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"Leon Black must be held in contempt"

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee sharing a CNBC report that Black had sued the committee and would not appear for his deposition.

Author
Nancy Mace
Published
Accessed

Original post

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam on X: "We just unanimously voted to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress."

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam on X: "We just unanimously voted to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress." (opens in a new tab) · Suhas SubramanyamPost and attached 30-second video, Sept. 16, 2026, 2:53 p.m. ET

Excerpt

"We just unanimously voted to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress."

About this source

Post by a member of the Oversight Committee, with a short attached video, published after the House agreed to the contempt resolution.

Author
Suhas Subramanyam
Published
Accessed

Official statement

Ranking Member Robert Garcia Statement After House Votes to Hold Leon Black in Contempt of Congress

Ranking Member Robert Garcia Statement After House Votes to Hold Leon Black in Contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · House Oversight DemocratsFull statement
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full statement

Excerpt

"This vote is an important step towards justice and accountability."

About this source

Ranking Member Garcia's press release after the House agreed to the contempt resolution.

Author
Ranking Member Robert Garcia
Published
Accessed

Official statement

Chairman Comer Issues Two Subpoenas to Leon Black

Chairman Comer Issues Two Subpoenas to Leon Black (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull release
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full release

Excerpt

"During today's voluntary transcribed interview, Mr. Black stated he wouldn't answer questions about NDAs."

About this source

Committee release announcing that Comer issued a deposition subpoena and a nondisclosure-agreement subpoena to Black during his June 26, 2026 voluntary interview.

Author
Chairman James Comer
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Chairman Comer Issues Statement on Leon Black Not Appearing for Deposition

Chairman Comer Issues Statement on Leon Black Not Appearing for Deposition (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull statement
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full statement

Excerpt

"there will be an empty chair for Mr. Black."

About this source

Chairman Comer's statement on September 3, 2026, when Black did not appear for his deposition and had filed a lawsuit.

Author
Chairman James Comer
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Chairman Comer Announces Markup of Resolution to Hold Leon Black in Contempt of Congress

Chairman Comer Announces Markup of Resolution to Hold Leon Black in Contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull release
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full release

Excerpt

"announced a markup on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to consider a resolution and accompanying report recommending to the U.S. House of Representatives that Leon Black be found in contempt of Congress for defying lawful subpoenas."

About this source

Committee announcement of the September 15 markup of the contempt resolution, with Comer's statement of why the committee would act.

Author
Chairman James Comer
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Chairman Comer Statement on Leon Black Being Found in Contempt of Congress

Chairman Comer Statement on Leon Black Being Found in Contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformFull statement and background
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Full statement and background

Excerpt

"Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the U.S. House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress."

About this source

Chairman Comer's statement after the House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent.

Author
Chairman James Comer
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Oversight Committee Republicans and Democrats Hold Leon Black in Contempt for Defying Lawful Subpoenas

Oversight Committee Republicans and Democrats Hold Leon Black in Contempt for Defying Lawful Subpoenas (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformChairman Comer's opening remarks as prepared for delivery
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Chairman Comer's opening remarks as prepared for delivery

Excerpt

"No one is above the law."

About this source

Committee press release with the text of Chairman Comer's opening remarks for the September 15 markup and the committee's background summary of the subpoenas.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Chairman James Comer)
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original video

Full Committee Business Meeting (House Oversight Committee, September 15, 2026)

Full Committee Business Meeting (House Oversight Committee, September 15, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformComer opening remarks from about 0:50; Garcia remarks from about 3:45; roll call and vote total after Garcia's remarks

Chairman James Comer's and Ranking Member Robert Garcia's remarks on the Leon Black subpoena measure, followed by the vote total, at the House Oversight Committee's Sept. 15, 2026 business meeting.

Two excerpts joined by one-second black gaps: 0:48 to 7:10 and 18:08 to 18:42 of the committee video. DI added its logo in the corner.

Video: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)

Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Comer opening remarks from about 0:50; Garcia remarks from about 3:45; roll call and vote total after Garcia's remarks)

Excerpt

"Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 41, the nays are 0."

About this source

Committee video of the September 15 markup of the Black contempt resolution. It shows Chairman Comer's opening remarks, Ranking Member Garcia's remarks, the chair's call for other members to be heard, and the announced vote total.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Original text

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform roll call, Vote #1: Favorably Reporting the Leon D. Black Contempt Report (September 15, 2026)

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform roll call, Vote #1: Favorably Reporting the Leon D. Black Contempt Report (September 15, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · United States CongressVote #1
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Vote #1

Excerpt

"Roll Call Totals: Ayes: 41 Nays: 0"

About this source

Committee roll call sheet for the vote to report the contempt resolution. It records 41 ayes and 0 noes, with 20 Republicans and 21 Democrats voting aye and six Republican members not recorded.

Author
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Published
Accessed

Original text

H.Res.1543 - All Actions (119th Congress)

H.Res.1543 - All Actions (119th Congress) (opens in a new tab) · United States CongressActions dated 09/16/2026, 2:35 pm and 2:36 pm
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Actions dated 09/16/2026, 2:35 pm and 2:36 pm

Excerpt

"On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection."

About this source

Congress.gov action history for H. Res. 1543. It lists consideration by unanimous consent and agreement to the resolution without objection on September 16, 2026.

Author
Congress.gov
Published
Accessed

Original text

Congressional Record, House, September 16, 2026, page H5931: Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress

Congressional Record, House, September 16, 2026, page H5931: Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Leon D. Black in Contempt of Congress (opens in a new tab) · United States CongressPage H5931
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Relevant passage: Page H5931

Excerpt

"There was no objection."

About this source

Official record of the House floor action on H. Res. 1543: Comer's request for unanimous consent, the absence of objection, and agreement to the resolution.

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Congressional Record
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Publisher
The Dispute Index
Title
Was the House justified in holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress over the Epstein inquiry?
First published
Last updated
Permalink
https://disputeindex.com/cases/was-the-house-justified-in-holding-leon-black-in-contempt-of-congress-over-the-epstein-inquiry

The Dispute Index. "Was the House justified in holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress over the Epstein inquiry?". First published: 2026-09-26. Last updated: 2026-11-13. https://disputeindex.com/cases/was-the-house-justified-in-holding-leon-black-in-contempt-of-congress-over-the-epstein-inquiry