Leon Black Walks Out of Epstein Interview After Refusing NDA Questions

Leon Black, former CEO of Apollo Global Management, abruptly ended his transcribed June 26, 2026, interview with the House Oversight Committee after refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) connected to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview transcript was released Friday, revealing Black’s repeated refusals to discuss NDAs, citing legal advice, and his subsequent subpoenas to appear for deposition and produce related documents.

Black’s Refusal to Discuss NDAs Leads to Subpoenas

During the interview, Black declined multiple times to disclose details about how many NDAs he was involved with, stating, “I’m not here to talk about confidential NDAs” and “I’m not here to talk about who has NDAs.” His attorney emphasized that Black’s silence on these matters was due to confidentiality obligations and dismissed the questioning as a political stunt.

Following these refusals, the House Oversight Committee issued two subpoenas: one requiring Black to appear for a deposition scheduled for September 3, 2026, and another demanding the production of any nondisclosure agreements he holds. A committee spokesperson confirmed that Black’s legal team agreed to comply with these demands, with NDA documents expected to be turned over in the coming week.

Background on Black’s Relationship with Epstein

Leon Black acknowledged a long-standing social and financial relationship with Epstein dating back to the mid-1990s. Epstein provided Black with financial services, including tax and estate planning, for which Black paid more than $170 million, according to previous Senate Finance Committee findings.

Black described their interactions as frequent but denied a close friendship, noting, “Friendship is an amorphous term… We were never best friends.” He also detailed how Epstein was aware of a $21 million settlement Black paid to a woman with whom he had a six-year affair, claiming the payments were made after the woman allegedly “blackmailed and extorted” him. Epstein’s role was limited to managing Black’s finances and being informed about the settlement, but Black denied Epstein advised him on NDAs.

Controversial Details and Lawmakers’ Pushback

The committee pressed Black on his distancing from Epstein, including questioning a poem Black wrote for Epstein’s 50th birthday book, created by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. The poem referenced Epstein’s wide network of women around the world. Black explained it as a nod to Epstein’s social circle but denied any knowledge of underage women within it.

Lawmakers expressed skepticism over Black’s portrayal of their relationship, highlighting the close financial ties and social interactions. Black characterized Epstein’s lifestyle as akin to a “James Bond movie,” noting Epstein enjoyed the company of “mostly good-looking women” but maintained he was unaware of any illegal activities.

Legal and Political Implications Moving Forward

Black’s refusal to discuss NDAs and the ensuing subpoenas mark a significant escalation in the ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein’s network and the extent of his influence over prominent figures. The upcoming deposition and document disclosure will be closely watched for further revelations.

Black’s legal team continues to maintain that Epstein had no involvement with NDAs, whether they exist or not, framing the committee’s inquiries as politically motivated. However, the House Oversight Committee’s persistence signals a continued effort to uncover the full scope of Epstein’s relationships and financial dealings.

As the investigation progresses, the public and lawmakers alike await clarity on the nondisclosure agreements and the broader implications for Black and others connected to Epstein.