Billionaire Les Wexner Claims He Was Duped by Jeffrey Epstein in Congressional Testimony
In a dramatic congressional interview, billionaire Les Wexner, the retired founder of L Brands, asserted that he was "duped by a world-class con man"—his former financial adviser Jeffrey Epstein. The 88-year-old business magnate, who built retail empires like Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, submitted a statement to the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, vehemently denying any awareness of Epstein's sex crimes or participation in the abuse of girls and young women.
Wexner's Defense and Congressional Skepticism
Wexner described himself as a philanthropist and grandfather who always aimed to live ethically, according to his prepared remarks. He expressed eagerness to clarify his ties with Epstein, which ended in 2007 after the Wexners discovered Epstein had been stealing from them. However, Representative Robert Garcia, a California Democrat who attended the interview, voiced skepticism, noting that Wexner was deeply involved in providing Epstein with financial support for his crimes.
In response to allegations from Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed Wexner was among those trafficked to, Wexner testified to unwavering devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail, stating he had never been unfaithful. His name appears over 1,000 times in recently released Epstein documents, though his spokesperson emphasized this is unsurprising given their long history and does not imply guilt.
Epstein's Manipulation and Financial Ties
Epstein first met Wexner around 1986 through a business associate, gaining his trust over several years. Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney in 1991, allowing him to manage investments and assist in developing New Albany, Ohio, into a prosperous suburb. In a 2003 interview, Wexner praised Epstein as "a most loyal friend" with excellent judgment, but on Wednesday, he portrayed Epstein as a master manipulator who hid his misdeeds.
Wexner admitted visiting Epstein's infamous island only once with his family, but Garcia countered that the two were very close, per reports. Newly released documents include Epstein's notes referencing "gang stuff" with Wexner and mutual indebtedness, though Wexner's spokesperson dismissed these as delusional statements.
Exploitation of Victoria's Secret and Relationship Unraveling
Accusers have said Epstein leveraged his connection to Wexner, promising modeling jobs with Victoria's Secret to lure victims. One woman reported Epstein to police in 1997 after a groping incident during what she thought was a catalog interview. Wexner did not address these specifics but lamented being deceived by Epstein, whom he called an abuser and liar. L Brands sold Victoria's Secret in 2020, marking one of Wexner's final acts as chair.
The relationship unraveled in 2007 when Wexner fired Epstein as financial adviser, though emails show contact continued into 2008 after Epstein's plea deal. Wexner claimed Epstein misappropriated vast sums, with attorneys noting repayment of $100 million, but Garcia suggested over $1 billion was transferred, much unbeknownst to Wexner.
Ongoing Fallout and Survivor Responses
The testimony comes amid ongoing fallout, with survivors like Maria Farmer citing FBI reports that support early complaints against Epstein while working at the Wexner estate. Additionally, Ohio State University abuse survivors are campaigning to remove Wexner's name from campus facilities, citing his Epstein association. Wexner acknowledged the pain caused by Epstein but maintained his own innocence, striving to clear his name from years of speculation and rumor.
