US House votes to hold Epstein associate in contempt; woman pleads guilty to fraud

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress. This action stems from Black's refusal to cooperate with the House Oversight Committee's ongoing investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Black reportedly defied subpoenas demanding his appearance for a deposition and the production of potential non-disclosure agreements.

The resolution, approved through unanimous consent in the House, followed a unanimous recommendation from the Oversight Committee. The matter has now been referred to the Department of Justice, which will determine whether to pursue criminal prosecution against Black.

Black's legal team has criticized the contempt vote as politically motivated and an overreach of congressional power. They maintain that Black had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and is challenging the validity of the subpoenas in federal court.