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Lawmakers subpoena billionaire Leon Black after contentious interview on Epstein payments
By Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / 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 The Pearland
The testimony of billionaire investor Leon Black before the House Oversight Committee has implications for the Houston area, where many financial and business leaders have ties to global networks. As a major city in the Houston area, Pearland 's own business community may be watching the developments in the Epstein case, given the involvement of high-profile figures like Black and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The fact that Black, the co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein $158 million for services raises questions about the judgment and accountability of powerful business leaders. The case also highlights the need for transparency and scrutiny of financial dealings, particularly when they involve figures with significant influence and wealth. As the investigation continues to unfold, Pearland residents may be interested in seeing how the case affects the local business landscape and the reputation of leaders with ties to the area.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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