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Lawmakers subpoena billionaire Leon Black after contentious interview on Epstein payments
By Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
The House Oversight Committee served subpoenas to billionaire investor Leon Black on Friday after lawmakers say he refused to answer some questions about his yearslong relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a time in which he paid the disgraced financier at least $158 million.Black is the co-founder ...
Key takeaway Black is the co-founder and former chief executive of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management who stepped down in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The appearance of billionaire Leon Black before the House Oversight Committee has significant implications for the Houston area, given his ties to the local business community as co-founder and former chief executive of Apollo Global Management. The fact that Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017, despite Epstein's guilty plea in 2008, raises questions about the judgment of local business leaders and their potential involvement with individuals engaged in illicit activities. As the committee continues its investigation into the web of wealth and influence around Epstein, it is likely that more information will come to light about the relationships between Epstein and other prominent figures in the Houston area. The community will be watching closely to see if any other local connections to Epstein are revealed, and how these revelations may impact the reputation of Houston's business elite.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The House Oversight Committee served subpoenas to billionaire investor Leon Black on Friday after lawmakers say he refused to answer some questions about his yearslong relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a time in which he paid the disgraced financier at least $158 million.Black is the co-founder ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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