Billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner recently broke his silence on his controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein. Testifying before the House Oversight Committee, the former Victoria’s Secret CEO vehemently denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He instead described himself as “naive, foolish, and gullible,” asserting that Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier, was a “world-class con man” who meticulously “conned” him. This highly anticipated testimony sheds new light on a decades-long relationship shrouded in allegations, denials, and deep public scrutiny.
Wexner’s Defense: “Naive” and “Conned” by Epstein
In a closed-door deposition lasting approximately six hours, 88-year-old Les Wexner presented a narrative of victimhood. He maintained that he was completely unaware of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes, claiming Epstein “lived a double life” and was a “clever, diabolical, and master manipulator” who meticulously hid his illicit conduct. Wexner explicitly stated, “I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide,” emphasizing that he never “witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity.”
Wexner asserted that Epstein, initially introduced as a sophisticated financial guru, even declined compensation to earn his trust. He alleged that Epstein “misappropriated vast sums of money” from his family, portraying himself as a victim of financial deception as well as personal betrayal. This portrayal seeks to distance Wexner from any culpability, reframing his extensive ties to Epstein as a consequence of Epstein’s deceitful nature.
Severing Ties: When and Why?
The timeline of Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein’s separation has been a point of contention. Wexner claims he “completely and irrevocably cut ties with Epstein” in 2007. This followed Epstein’s initial charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida. According to Wexner, it was his wife, Abigail, who reviewed their financial documents managed by Epstein, uncovering the “stolen vast sums” from their family. Upon discovering both Epstein’s abusive conduct and the financial theft, Wexner states he never spoke to Epstein again, revoking his power of attorney and removing his access to their accounts.
However, recently released Justice Department documents indicate an email from Wexner to Epstein on June 26, 2008—after Epstein’s plea deal was announced. The email read: “Abigail told me the result… all I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule…always be careful.” Wexner’s spokesperson clarified that the 2007 date refers to the termination of Epstein’s financial advisory role and power of attorney, not necessarily all contact. This detail highlights the complexity and ambiguity surrounding their separation.
Lawmakers’ Scrutiny: “Crucial Enabler” of Epstein’s Empire
While Wexner painted a picture of an unwitting victim, Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee expressed significant skepticism. They argue that Wexner played a pivotal role in enabling Jeffrey Epstein’s lavish lifestyle and criminal enterprise. Congressman Robert Garcia of California unequivocally stated, “There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.”
Lawmakers traveled to Wexner’s home state of Ohio for the deposition, underscoring the gravity of their probe. They accused the billionaire of knowing about Epstein’s crimes or, at the very least, failing to stop them. Representative Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts noted, “Much of the evidence within the Epstein files points to Wexner’s involvement.” He added that Wexner “gave Epstein credibility” and the means to commit his crimes, emphasizing the importance of “following the documents and you follow the money,” much of which, he asserts, “leads us to this location.”
The Weight of the Documents: FBI, Giuffre, and Epstein’s Notes
The ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal is fueled by thousands of documents, many of which contain references to Les Wexner. A 2019 FBI document identified Wexner as a “potential co-conspirator,” although no charges were ever brought against him. Wexner’s legal team has consistently maintained that he was considered a “source of information about Epstein and was not a target.”
The released files also include troubling allegations. Prominent Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre testified in 2016 that she was forced to have sex with Wexner numerous times – an accusation Wexner has categorically denied, citing his “utter devotion” to his wife. Additionally, Epstein’s personal notes contain cryptic remarks such as “never ever, did anything without informing les” and “I would never give him up.” A draft letter from Epstein to Wexner even alluded to “gang stuff” they shared for over 15 years. Wexner’s spokesperson dismissed these as “untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements” by Epstein, likely made out of anger after their termination. The sheer volume of references, with Wexner’s name appearing thousands of times, suggests an undeniably deep connection. Maria Farmer, another Epstein survivor, also feels vindicated by an FBI report detailing abuse near Wexner’s New Albany home.
The Financial Labyrinth: Tracing Epstein’s Wealth
The financial aspect of the Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein relationship remains a central focus of the investigation. Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney in 1991, entrusting him with managing his vast fortune, investments, and property acquisitions. This level of control, spanning over a decade, provided Epstein with immense financial power and access. Lawmakers expressed incredulity that Wexner could be unaware of significant financial discrepancies, given Epstein’s role.
Wexner claims Epstein “stole vast sums” of money. While an investigative memo suggests Wexner’s attorneys claimed Epstein repaid $100 million in 2008, some congressional investigators have identified over $1 billion “transferred, provided in stocks or given directly” by Wexner to Epstein, much of which Wexner “appears to be unaware” of. This substantial discrepancy raises further questions about the extent of Epstein’s financial leverage and Wexner’s oversight. The challenge in “following the money” creates “dead ends,” leaving many questions unanswered about the full scope of financial transactions between the two men.
Broader Repercussions and Continuing Pressure
Wexner’s continued association with Jeffrey Epstein carries significant real-world consequences beyond the congressional probe. The fallout has fueled calls for the removal of Wexner’s name from prominent facilities at Ohio State University, including a campus football complex and the Wexner Medical Center. Survivors of another sexual abuse scandal involving former Ohio State team doctor Richard Strauss are leveraging Wexner’s Epstein ties to press their demands, given Wexner’s service on the university’s board during the period Strauss committed his crimes.
A judge recently ruled that Wexner can be compelled to testify in the lawsuit brought by these survivors, adding another layer of legal and public pressure. Despite Wexner’s expressions of sympathy for Epstein’s victims and his fervent denials of wrongdoing, the detailed revelations from the Epstein documents and the skepticism from lawmakers ensure that the scrutiny surrounding Les Wexner’s past will continue to intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Les Wexner’s main claims regarding Jeffrey Epstein?
Les Wexner claims he was “conned” by Jeffrey Epstein, describing himself as “naive, foolish, and gullible.” He asserts he was completely unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities, believing Epstein “lived a double life” and was a “master manipulator.” Wexner also alleges that Epstein misappropriated “vast sums” of money from him and his family while acting as his financial advisor, portraying himself as a victim of both financial and personal deception.
Where did Les Wexner provide his testimony on the Epstein case?
Les Wexner provided his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee. In an unusual move for such a high-profile figure, Democratic lawmakers from the committee traveled to Wexner’s home in New Albany, Ohio, for the deposition. This behind-closed-doors session lasted approximately six hours and occurred in the wake of the public release of thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s illicit activities.
What are the current implications of Les Wexner’s association with Jeffrey Epstein?
Les Wexner’s association with Jeffrey Epstein continues to have significant implications. Despite his denials and the lack of criminal charges against him, Wexner faces intense public and legal scrutiny. Lawmakers accuse him of financially enabling Epstein’s crimes, and his name appears thousands of times in released documents. There are ongoing calls for his name to be removed from Ohio State University facilities, and he has been compelled to testify in a separate lawsuit concerning a sexual abuse scandal at the university, further highlighting the enduring repercussions of his ties to Epstein.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Saga of Allegations and Denials
The testimony of Les Wexner before the House Oversight Committee marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s dark legacy. While Wexner emphatically denies any wrongdoing, painting himself as a victim of Epstein’s deception and financial theft, lawmakers remain deeply skeptical. They point to the extensive documentary evidence and the sheer scale of financial support that flowed from Wexner to Epstein, arguing that such a powerful relationship could not have existed without some level of awareness or complicity.
The conflicting narratives, coupled with the revelations from recently unsealed documents, ensure that the public and legal scrutiny of Wexner will continue. Despite no criminal charges ever being brought against him, the questions surrounding his decades-long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein persist, leaving a profound impact on his public image and philanthropic endeavors. The full truth of this complex and disturbing chapter remains under active investigation.
