A congressional investigation into the extensive ties between retail billionaire Les Wexner and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has escalated, with House Democrats publicly challenging Wexner’s credibility. Following a subpoenaed deposition, committee members expressed profound skepticism, outright calling Wexner’s testimony “not credible.” This high-stakes inquiry centers on allegations that Wexner’s substantial financial support enabled Epstein’s heinous crimes, challenging the billionaire’s claims of being an unwitting victim in Epstein’s sophisticated web of deceit.
Congressional Scrutiny Ignites Over Wexner’s Epstein Ties
On February 18, 2026, members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform converged on New Albany, Ohio, to take testimony from Les Wexner. The 88-year-old founder of L Brands, a retail empire that once included Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, was compelled to appear following a subpoena. This crucial deposition, originally slated for Washington, D.C., was instead conducted at Wexner’s sprawling Ohio estate, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the proceedings.
During the two-hour interview, and in subsequent remarks, Democratic committee members conveyed intense frustration. They accused Wexner of downplaying his long-standing relationship with Epstein, who died awaiting trial for child sex trafficking. Despite not invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, Wexner frequently responded to questions by claiming he could not recall specific details or situations.
The Deposition: A Clash of Narratives
Wexner consistently maintained his innocence throughout his testimony. He asserted he was “conned” by Epstein, describing himself as “naive, foolish, and gullible” for trusting the financier who once managed his vast fortune. Wexner claimed he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities until after he severed their professional ties in 2007, portraying Epstein as a “world-class con man” who lived a deceptive double life. His representatives reiterated that Wexner “honestly answered every question” and had no involvement in Epstein’s illegal conduct.
Conversely, Democratic lawmakers painted a starkly different picture. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Massachusetts) stated unequivocally, “There is no question in my mind, given the evidence so far, that Les Wexner knew about this and failed to stop it and gave Epstein license and the ability to commit these crimes.” This sentiment was echoed by other committee members, who found Wexner’s repeated memory lapses unconvincing and his overall defense implausible.
“Not Credible”: Democrats’ Unwavering Skepticism
The committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-California), minced no words, labeling Wexner’s assertions of a distant relationship with Epstein as “bogus.” Rep. David Min (D-California) found Wexner’s main defense—that he “saw no evil (and) heard no evil despite being in the room with Jeffrey Epstein over and over”—to be “just not credible.” Min stressed that the principle of “one rule of law” must apply equally to all, regardless of wealth or power, observing Wexner’s pervasive name on buildings across Columbus as a testament to his influence.
Democrats highlighted several points directly contradicting Wexner’s narrative. Despite his claim of cutting ties in 2007, recently released emails reportedly show that Wexner and Epstein remained in contact into the following year. Furthermore, congressional members pointed to numerous instances in Department of Justice (DOJ) documents where Wexner is referred to as a “co-conspirator,” often alongside figures like Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a federal prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes.
Financial Lifeline: The Billion-Dollar Question
A central focus of the Les Wexner Epstein testimony has been the immense financial support Wexner provided to Epstein. Rep. Robert Garcia asserted that Epstein’s entire criminal enterprise would not have been possible without Wexner’s substantial backing. “There’s no Epstein Island, no Epstein plane… Mr. Epstein would not be the man that he was without Les Wexner,” Garcia declared. He estimated these funds, given in cash or stock holdings, to exceed “$1 billion,” directly linking this financial lifeline to Epstein’s ability to traffic women and girls.
This significant financial relationship suggests a deeper trust and enablement than Wexner’s “conned” narrative implies. Democrats argue that Wexner not only gave Epstein wealth but also crucial credibility and access to elite networks, which Epstein then exploited. The sheer scale of these financial ties underscores the committee’s determination to uncover the full extent of Wexner’s awareness and involvement.
Unpacking “Co-Conspirator” Allegations
The label “co-conspirator” has repeatedly surfaced in relation to Wexner within the recently released Epstein files. A 2019 FBI document, initially redacted but later unredacted, explicitly referred to Wexner as a potential “co-conspirator.” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) highlighted that Wexner’s name appears over 4,000 times across these documents, further fueling the committee’s suspicions.
Wexner’s legal counsel, however, maintains that an Assistant U.S. Attorney informed them in 2019 that Wexner was considered a “source of information” about Epstein, not a target. They assert Wexner fully cooperated with authorities. This stark discrepancy between the committee’s findings and Wexner’s defense highlights the complexities of the ongoing sex trafficking investigation and the varying interpretations of available evidence. The question of Wexner’s precise role remains, as Rep. Garcia put it, a “very open question.”
The Elusive Federal Investigation
One particularly “outrageous” and “shameful” revelation for Democrats was Wexner’s testimony that he has not been directly questioned by the FBI or the Department of Justice about his connections to Epstein. Rep. Garcia expressed dismay that a figure so frequently mentioned in the Epstein files and identified as a major financial benefactor has not faced federal scrutiny. This contrasts sharply with the extensive congressional inquiry now underway.
This apparent lack of direct federal questioning adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, raising questions about the thoroughness of wider investigations into Epstein’s network. The House Oversight Committee’s efforts, including this recent deposition, signal a determined push to fill perceived gaps in the official inquiries and ensure accountability for all individuals potentially connected to Epstein’s abhorrent crimes.
A Call for Accountability in Ohio
Democrats on the committee specifically called upon the central Ohio community, including institutions associated with Wexner, to demand answers. Rep. Garcia encouraged Ohioans and Ohio State University, whose hospital system is named after Wexner and where he sits on the board, to hold him accountable. “This community has questions of Mr. Wexner. Ohio State should have questions of Mr. Wexner,” Garcia stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.
Wexner’s immense wealth and philanthropic influence in Ohio are undeniable, with his name gracing numerous public buildings and institutions. The renewed scrutiny from the House Oversight Committee serves as a stark reminder that no individual, regardless of their status, should be above the law or public accountability. The committee made it clear that this deposition was “the beginning” of their inquiries, not the end, signaling further investigation into Wexner’s alleged involvement and his financial dealings.
The Political Ripple Effect: Campaign Contributions
The recent revelations from the Epstein files have had a tangible impact on Ohio politics, prompting several public figures to distance themselves from past campaign contributions from Les Wexner. While Wexner and his wife, Abigail Wexner, have been influential donors across the political spectrum for decades, the allegations have spurred a wave of donations to charities.
U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Columbus) and U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) both announced plans to donate contributions from Les Wexner to organizations combatting human trafficking and supporting victims.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy also donated funds received from Les Wexner to local charities or scholarship programs, citing the need to rebuild public trust.
- Several state senators, including Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), followed suit, donating Wexner-linked funds to relevant charitable causes.
- www.dispatch.com
- www.wosu.org
- www.ms.now
- www.cbsnews.com
- <a href="https://www.aol.com/articles/gop-senators-decline-away-wexner-201752926.html?spotimredirectsource=share&spotimcommentid=spIjnMf2Jd04849d8f-1a27-3a50-83fa-d77aa24860a3c2pz7jdRWRFiqzmlMHV0zT2EGQba&spotimhighlightimmediate=true&utmmedium=Share&utmcontent=spIjnMf2Jd04849d8f-1a27-3a50-83fa-d77aa24860a3c2pz7jdRWRFiqzmlMHV0zT2EGQba&owmodule=conversation”>www.aol.com
However, some prominent Ohio politicians, including Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and U.S. Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, have opted to retain their contributions. They cite Wexner’s uncharged status and await the full outcomes of ongoing investigations before making a judgment. A distinction is often drawn, with many politicians donating funds from Les Wexner while retaining those from Abigail Wexner, who has not been similarly implicated as a potential co-conspirator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key accusations against Les Wexner regarding Jeffrey Epstein?
House Democrats accuse Les Wexner of lying and downplaying his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, claiming his testimony was “not credible.” They allege Wexner’s substantial financial support, estimated at over $1 billion, was instrumental in enabling Epstein’s sex trafficking enterprise. Furthermore, Wexner has been labeled a “co-conspirator” in various Department of Justice documents, and Democrats argue he likely knew about Epstein’s criminal activities but failed to intervene. Wexner denies these accusations, stating he was “conned” and unaware of Epstein’s crimes.
How has the House Oversight Committee proceeded with its investigation into Les Wexner’s involvement?
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Les Wexner for a deposition on February 18, 2026, held at his Ohio estate. During and after the testimony, Democratic members expressed deep frustration with Wexner’s claims of memory loss and called his defense implausible. They highlighted financial ties, inconsistencies in the timeline of their severed relationship, and “co-conspirator” mentions in the Epstein files. The committee plans to continue its investigation, calling the deposition “the beginning” of their efforts to establish accountability and fully understand Wexner’s role.
What actions are politicians taking regarding campaign donations linked to Les Wexner?
Following revelations from the Epstein files, numerous Ohio politicians are donating campaign contributions received from Les Wexner to charities, particularly those combating human trafficking. This includes U.S. Representatives Mike Carey and Joyce Beatty, and several Columbus city officials and state senators. However, some politicians, such as Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and U.S. Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, are retaining their donations, stating they are awaiting further developments in the investigation or that Wexner has not been criminally charged.
Conclusion
The Les Wexner Epstein testimony before the House Oversight Committee has significantly intensified public scrutiny on the Ohio billionaire. With Democrats deeming his explanations “not credible” and underscoring the profound financial impact of his relationship with Epstein, the investigation remains a critical pursuit of accountability. The “open question” of Wexner’s knowledge and culpability continues to hang over his legacy. As congressional inquiries persist and calls for community action grow, the full truth behind Wexner’s connection to one of modern history’s most notorious sex traffickers is far from settled.
