Wexner Testifies on Epstein Ties
Former Victoria’s Secret owner Les Wexner testified on Wednesday that he was completely “deceived” by Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier who managed Wexner’s wealth for many years, although he noted that he did not “witness, condone, or forgive” Epstein’s sexual offenses.
The 88-year-old CEO of L Brands spoke during a deposition before the Ohio House Oversight Committee, sharing that Epstein, whom he described as a “global Olympic fraudster,” had “stolen millions” from his retail operations just prior to pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008. This information came from a source familiar with his statements.
“Nearly two decades ago, when I discovered that Epstein was an abuser and a liar, I completely severed ties with him,” Wexner said in his prepared remarks. “I have never participated in or colluded with Epstein’s illegal activities.”
While he was engaging with federal authorities in 2007 and 2008 prior to Epstein’s plea, Epstein reportedly repaid $100 million for allegedly pilfering large sums from the Wexner family while acting as their “finance manager.”
At one point, Epstein had purchased properties for Wexner and then later bought them himself at reduced rates, according to memos from federal prosecutors based on interviews conducted with Wexner’s lawyers back in 2019.
Wexner stated he never saw Epstein in public or considered him a friend, even though they met at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show before Donald Trump’s presidential election win.
He also mentioned he had no awareness of any sexual interactions involving Trump with women introduced to him by Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted accomplice.
This testimony was a direct response to claims made by two congressmen who suggested Wexner was among six individuals likely connected to Epstein, pointing to Wexner’s name appearing in numerous investigative documents released by the Justice Department earlier this year.
Although Wexner’s name appears nearly 200 times in these files, he mentioned that his lawyer informed him in 2019 that he was viewed as a source in the federal investigation, not as a target.
Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massey (R-Ky.) listed five other individuals who potentially had relationships with Epstein, though it turned out that four were just random FBI agents with no ties to him.
One of these individuals, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, recently stepped down from his role as CEO of DP World. An email from Epstein, disclosed in a DOJ document, noted a troubling relationship with the Emirati billionaire.
Federal prosecutors initially viewed Wexner as a potential co-conspirator following Epstein’s arrest in July 2019 but later found “limited evidence” of his involvement, as noted in correspondence from a New York field office official.
Further emails and documents suggested Epstein continued to think about Wexner even shortly before his arrest on sex trafficking charges. In one undated letter, he referenced a complicated relationship they had over many years, expressing a sort of mutual understanding—though it’s unclear what that fully entailed.
Wexner clarified that their interactions had always been professional, stating Epstein never introduced women for “sexual entertainment,” and that Maxwell was not involved in any professional capacity with Epstein.
Additionally, Wexner denied claims that Epstein had any links to intelligence agencies or that he facilitated connections between women and wealthy individuals for inappropriate purposes.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the oversight committee’s top Democrat, questioned Wexner about whether Epstein had ever solicited sexual relations with him. Wexner firmly stated that this never occurred.
“The other life Epstein led was full of unimaginable crimes, which he carefully concealed from me. He knew I would never condone his abhorrent actions,” Wexner asserted in his statements.
“I never witnessed this notorious part of his life.”
Wexner’s attorney did not reply to requests for comments regarding the testimony.
