Billionaire Retail Mogul Les Wexner Testifies He Was Deceived by Jeffrey Epstein
Billionaire Les Wexner, the founder behind retail giants Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, declared to congressional investigators on Wednesday that he had been thoroughly duped by a world-class con man in the form of his former financial adviser, Jeffrey Epstein. The 88-year-old retired magnate submitted a detailed statement to the House Oversight Committee, vehemently asserting his ignorance of Epstein's criminal activities and any participation in the abuse of young women.
A Statement of Innocence and Regret
In his prepared remarks, Wexner described himself as naive, foolish, and gullible for placing trust in Epstein. He emphasized, "He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide." The testimony was delivered during an interview at his expansive estate in central Ohio, following a subpoena from Democratic lawmakers. This legal summons came after the Justice Department's recent release of documents related to Epstein, which illuminated the extensive connections between the two men.
Wexner portrayed himself to the committee as a dedicated philanthropist, community builder, and grandfather who consistently aimed to live ethically. He expressed a strong desire to set the record straight regarding his association with Epstein, which ended acrimoniously in 2007 when the Wexner family discovered Epstein had been stealing from them. As one of Epstein's most notable former associates, Wexner has faced years of scrutiny over their decades-long relationship and sought to dispel what he termed outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumor, innuendo, and speculation.
Lawmaker Skepticism and Allegations
Representative Robert Garcia, a California Democrat who participated in the interview, voiced significant skepticism to reporters. He 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." This comment underscores the intense pressure Wexner faces from congressional investigators probing Epstein's network.
In response to allegations from the late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among the men Epstein trafficked her to, Wexner testified to his unwavering devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail. He insisted he had never been unfaithful "in any way, shape, or form. Never. Any suggestion to the contrary is absolutely and entirely false."
While Wexner's name appears over 1,000 times in the Epstein files—a fact his spokesperson attributed to their long-standing ties—he has never been charged with any crimes. The documents do not imply guilt, but they have fueled ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.
The Evolution of a Troublesome Alliance
Epstein first met Leslie Wexner through a business associate around 1986, a period when Wexner's financial empire was rapidly expanding. From a single Limited store in Columbus, Ohio, Wexner built a suite of iconic mall brands, including The Limited, Lane Bryant, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
Wexner informed lawmakers that it took several years before he entrusted the management of his vast fortune to Epstein, whom he described as a master manipulator who cunningly gained his confidence. In 1991, Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney, enabling him to handle investments, business deals, property purchases, and assist in developing New Albany into a prosperous Columbus suburb.
In a 2003 Vanity Fair interview, Wexner praised Epstein for having "excellent judgment and unusually high standards" and being "always a most loyal friend." However, during Wednesday's testimony, the billionaire claimed he did not socialize in Epstein's circle, though he often heard accounts of Epstein's interactions with other wealthy individuals. Wexner asserted that Epstein "carefully used his acquaintance with important individuals to curate an aura of legitimacy." He admitted to visiting Epstein's infamous island only once, for a brief morning stop with his wife and young children while boating.
Revelations from Newly Released Documents
The recent document release included rough notes from Epstein referencing Wexner, such as "never ever, did anything without informing les" and "I would never give him up." Another document, an apparent draft letter to Wexner, mentioned the two had "'gang stuff' for over 15 years" and were mutually indebted—Wexner helped make Epstein rich, and Epstein helped make Wexner richer. Wexner's spokesperson, Tom Davies, dismissed this letter as part of a pattern of "untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements" by Epstein.
Wexner told congressional representatives that Epstein lived a double life, presenting himself as a financial guru to wealthy clients while meticulously concealing his misconduct with underage girls. He stated, "He knew that I never would have tolerated his horrible behavior. Not any of it."
Exploitation of the Victoria's Secret Brand
Some accusers reported that Epstein leveraged his ties to Wexner, claiming he could secure modeling jobs with the Victoria's Secret catalog. According to recently released grand jury testimony, one aspiring actor and model told the FBI that Epstein said he was best friends with the Victoria's Secret owner and advised her to become comfortable in her underwear. Another woman reported Epstein to police in 1997 after he groped her during what she believed was a modeling interview for the catalog.
After Epstein's 2019 arrest, Wexner's lawyers informed investigators that the businessman had heard rumors about Epstein presenting himself as connected to Victoria's Secret. When confronted, Epstein denied it. Wexner did not address this specific issue in his Wednesday statement but repeatedly lamented being deceived by Epstein, whom he called "an abuser, a crook, and a liar." L Brands sold Victoria's Secret in 2020, one of Wexner's final acts as chairman.
The Unraveling of a Relationship
Wexner did not publicly disclose the severance of his relationship with Epstein until after Epstein's arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019. In a Wexner Foundation letter that August, he stated the split occurred in 2007. However, the newly released Justice Department records show they remained in contact afterward.
For instance, Wexner emailed Epstein on June 26, 2008, after a plea deal was announced requiring Epstein to serve 18 months in a Florida jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Wexner wrote, "Abigail told me the result … all I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule … always be careful." Epstein replied simply, "no excuse."
Davies clarified that the 2007 date referred to firing Epstein as financial adviser, revoking his power of attorney, and removing his name from bank accounts. Wexner also noted in the 2019 letter that Epstein had misappropriated vast sums from his family's fortune. An investigative memo indicates Wexner's attorneys told investigators in 2008 that Epstein repaid $100 million, though Wexner stated in Wednesday's testimony that Epstein returned "a substantial amount" of an undisclosed total. Representative Garcia claimed congressional investigators have identified over $1 billion transferred or provided by Wexner to Epstein, much of which Wexner allegedly remains unaware.
Ongoing Repercussions for Wexner
During his testimony, Wexner affirmed he had never seen Epstein with any young girls and acknowledged the "unfathomable" pain Epstein inflicted. The Epstein files continue to exert new pressure on him, with survivors like Maria Farmer citing redacted FBI reports that support her early 1996 complaint against Epstein while working on an art project at the Wexner estate.
Additionally, survivors of a sexual abuse scandal at Ohio State University are citing Wexner's association with Epstein in efforts to remove his name from a campus football complex. University nurses are also advocating for his name to be scrubbed from the Wexner Medical Center, highlighting the enduring fallout from his ties to the disgraced financier.
