Les Wexner, founder of L Brands – the former parent company of Victoria’s Secret – has stated to US lawmakers that he was “duped” by the late Jeffrey Epstein and maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s abuse. Wexner’s testimony came during a deposition with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which is investigating Epstein and his connections to prominent figures.
Wexner’s Testimony
Wexner described Epstein as a “conman” and claimed he was “naive, foolish, and gullible” to have trusted him. He stated he first met Epstein in the mid-1980s and subsequently hired him to manage his wealth. Wexner testified that he severed ties with Epstein around 2007 after learning Epstein was “an abuser, a crook, and a liar.” He added that his wife, Abigail, discovered Epstein had stolen “vast sums” from their family.
Wexner asserted he did not witness or enable Epstein’s crimes, and that he had no contact with Epstein after 2007. However, records released by the Department of Justice show the two corresponded as late as 2008, with Wexner emailing Epstein after a plea deal was reached in a Florida prostitution case. In the email, Wexner wrote, “I sense sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule always be careful.”
Democratic Lawmakers Question Narrative
Representative Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, disputed Wexner’s account, stating, “There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.” Garcia indicated that survivors have raised concerns about over a billion dollars transferred to Epstein by Wexner.
Wexner previously gave Epstein power of attorney and admitted to visiting Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, once with his family. He also responded to allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, denying any involvement in trafficking and affirming his devotion to his wife of 33 years.
The FBI investigated Wexner in August 2019, the month of Epstein’s death, as a potential “secondary coconspirator,” though the investigation reportedly found “limited evidence regarding his involvement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Les Wexner’s deposition?
Les Wexner was deposed by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as part of their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his connections to the US elite, following the release of additional Epstein-related files by the Department of Justice.
What did Jeffrey Epstein say about Les Wexner in notes released by the DOJ?
In notes released by the DOJ, Epstein wrote, “never ever, did anything without informing Les” and “I would never offer him up.” A draft letter indicated the two had a relationship lasting “over 15 years” and were mutually indebted to each other.
When did Les Wexner say he cut ties with Jeffrey Epstein?
Wexner testified that he “irrevocably cut ties” with Epstein around 2007, after learning Epstein was “an abuser, a crook, and a liar.” However, records show they continued to communicate after that date.
Given the conflicting accounts and the ongoing investigation, what further revelations might emerge from the full release of the deposition transcript and video remains to be seen.
