Billionaire financier Leon Black's voluntary interview with the House Oversight Committee on June 26, 2026, ended abruptly when the panel served him with subpoenas for copies of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and requested a second interview while the first was still underway, according to a transcript released by the committee.

The interview lasted less than an hour before Black's attorneys ended the session. Susan Estrich, an attorney for Black, called the subpoenas "a planned political stunt."

The committee is seeking copies of some NDAs Black has signed. Emails previously released by the panel indicate that Jeffrey Epstein weighed in on Black's personal affairs. Black admitted to the committee that he informed Epstein about a six-year affair with Russian model Guzel Ganieva and the woman's alleged "blackmail and extortion." After Ganieva signed an NDA, she unsuccessfully sued Black for rape and defamation, denying his claims of extortion.

Black stated he initially expected to pay about $95 million for Epstein's tax advice but suggested the higher amount paid—$158 million—was a bargain, estimating Epstein's advice saved him between $1 billion and $2 billion.

The Virgin Islands secured a $62.5 million settlement after suing Black over his financial support of Epstein.

Epstein had been appointed by Black to the board of directors of his family's foundation in 1997, but Black told the committee he removed Epstein from that role following Epstein's arrest and conviction in 2008.

Black also denied that he and Epstein were as close as some messages suggested. He described Epstein as a bachelor who traveled extensively and enjoyed the company of women worldwide.

Black has been subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee scheduled for September 2026.

Sources