Billionaire investor Leon Black, former CEO of Apollo Global Management and a long-time associate of Jeffrey Epstein, faced strong criticism after abruptly leaving a closed-door interview with members of the U.S.House Oversight Committee.The interview was part of an ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein’s network and related financial and personal dealings.

Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), the committee’s ranking member, condemned Black’s departure, stating that he had missed an opportunity to cooperate with efforts to provide answers to survivors and the public.Garcia added that Black has now been subpoenaed and warned that he would be held accountable if he fails to comply with the investigation.

Black has been previously linked to Epstein through financial arrangements, reportedly paying around $170 million for what he described as financial services and advisory work.He has also faced allegations from multiple women accusing him of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.During the interview, Black reportedly addressed the allegations directly, calling them “demonstrably false.

” The controversy surrounding Black is further complicated by his reported connections to other high-profile figures, including long-standing ties to former President Donald Trump.

The article also references leaked emails from Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein associate, suggesting she may have considered providing information about Black to Congress in hopes of receiving leniency.Journalist Julie K.Brown, known for her investigative work on Epstein, has also been cited in discussions around the broader case.

Additionally, previously released Justice Department materials reportedly included FBI accounts from individuals alleging sexual misconduct involving Black.One woman described an incident involving inappropriate sexual behavior during a massage, while another alleged rape years earlier.Black has denied all wrongdoing.The House Oversight Committee’s investigation continues as lawmakers seek to clarify the extent of Epstein’s network and any associated misconduct.