Wexner’s Deposition Sparks Controversy
During a recent deposition with the House Oversight Committee, billionaire Les Wexner’s lawyer seemed to lose patience with the lengthy responses from his client regarding his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. This moment was caught on a hot microphone when attorney Michael Levy urged Wexner to “keep his answers short and sweet,” even making a pointed remark after nearly four and a half hours of questioning.
“If you answer another question in more than five words, I’ll kill you, okay?” Levy said, illustrating the tension in the room.
Footage from the deposition was made public by the committee, showcasing Wexner’s lengthy discourses, particularly when discussing how often Epstein worked for him. The 88-year-old mogul mentioned various possessions needing inventory but admitted he wasn’t aware of their significance until he brought Epstein on board.
A chuckle from Wexner followed his lawyer’s advice, revealing a casual side amid the serious context.
Wexner, defending himself, stated he had “never witnessed, condoned, or enabled” Epstein’s criminal activities. He characterized Epstein, who managed his assets for many years, as a “global Olympic fraudster,” noting significant theft from his fortune before Epstein’s guilty plea in 2008 for soliciting sex from a minor.
“Almost two decades ago, when I learned of Epstein’s abusive nature, I completely severed ties with him,” Wexner asserted. “I have never participated in or colluded with his illegal activities.”
When asked about a past visit of Epstein and his wife to an infamous Caribbean island, Wexner referred to it as “filthy” and a “heap of rocks.” He also touched on a letter he’d written for Epstein’s 50th birthday, joking, “I was trying to be funny,” and mentioning Epstein’s juvenile doodles.
Wexner couldn’t recall a simultaneous encounter with Epstein and President Trump but suggested they might have “accidentally” crossed paths at a fashion show. He commented, “Jeffrey Epstein is [Trump] We’re going out as friends,” indicating uncertainty about their relationship.
Regarding former Prince Andrew, Wexner recalled only a brief phone conversation about a plane sale, stating, “I’ve never met Prince Andrew…so I don’t know anything,” amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding the royal.
This testimony appears to respond to claims by Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who pointed to Wexner’s involvement in numerous Justice Department documents, suggesting that he was among those potentially liable due to ties with Epstein.
Initially, federal prosecutors identified Wexner as a potential co-conspirator post-Epstein’s arrest in July 2019; however, limited evidence of his involvement later emerged from the FBI.
Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while waiting for trial on child sex trafficking charges.
