House Oversight Committee Questions Les Wexner about Epstein
The House Oversight Committee is set to question Les Wexner, a billionaire closely linked to Jeffrey Epstein, during a hearing on Wednesday. Wexner has been named in a 2019 FBI document as one of Epstein’s co-conspirators.
In light of the investigation regarding the federal government’s handling of Epstein’s case, Wexner has been removed from his previous position. He has stated in an opening declaration that he was “deceived” by Epstein, asserting he had no part in Epstein’s illegal activities.
Wexner expressed, “I was naive, foolish, and gullible to trust Jeffrey Epstein. He was a fraud. While I was being deceived, I did nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide. I completely severed ties with Epstein almost 20 years ago when I learned he was an abuser, a cheater, and a liar.” He emphasized that he wishes he had never met Epstein, although he can’t change the past.
He conveyed sympathy for the young women and girls who suffered at Epstein’s hands over the years. Wexner painted a picture of himself as a moral individual, dedicated to family and community, striving to live ethically.
For this deposition, committee staff traveled to Ohio—an unusual move compared to past depositions. Wexner’s spokesperson did not confirm whether he would use his Fifth Amendment rights, but it’s believed that his testimony could unveil crucial details about Epstein’s financial dealings. Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019, had accumulated vast wealth, in part, through Wexner’s connections.
At 88, Wexner is the founder of L Brands, formerly The Limited, which includes well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret. He was reportedly one of Epstein’s early major clients, even granting Epstein power of attorney over his significant assets.
Wexner recounted that he met Epstein in the 1980s through a fellow executive and that Epstein was recommended by Elie de Rothschild as a financial advisor. Initially hesitant, Epstein provided Wexner advice but was not focused on managing his finances; Wexner later realized Epstein had been plotting to gain his trust from the start.
Emails and other documents are circulating that link Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell, raising more questions about the extent of their network. Wexner stated that as Epstein’s wealth increased, he began paying him for services, yet claimed ignorance of Epstein’s more sinister actions.
He described Epstein as a “masterful manipulator” who carefully curated a fake persona while hiding his true crimes. Wexner stated he was unaware of any minors being involved and emphasized that Epstein’s deceit shattered his trust.
Wexner has not faced criminal charges connected to Epstein’s actions and, in a letter from 2019, noted he distanced himself from Epstein years prior as suspicions around Epstein’s behavior arose.
This session marks Wexner as the fourth individual to be interrogated by the House Oversight Committee regarding Epstein. Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has previously conducted depositions involving notable figures like Trump’s Attorney General Bill Barr and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who had previously engaged with Epstein’s cases.
Maxwell’s prior deposition ended swiftly when she invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, refusing to answer questions unless granted a pardon.
