Related: U.S. House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia on Holding Leon Black in Contempt for Defying His Subpoena in Testifying about Jeffrey Epstein, Says, “Multiple Women Have Also Accused Black Of Sexual Assault”

September 8, 2026 - WASHINGTON - House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has issued the following statement on Leon Black not appearing for his deposition and filing a lawsuit:

“It’s a shame Leon Black is hiding behind litigation rather than provide answers to the American people. Our investigation is examining how the federal government for decades failed survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes and how Mr. Epstein sought to curry favor with influential individuals to avoid scrutiny. Mr. Black’s testimony is crucial to our investigation as he was one of Mr. Epstein’s fee paying clients and has several nondisclosure agreements. Our deposition is moving forward this morning for the record and there will be an empty chair for Mr. Black. I will speak with our members about next steps.”

Source: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer