Les Wexner: How the billionaire enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s rise

In February 2026, billionaire Les Wexner was questioned by US lawmakers regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and his potential role in Epstein's rise to power. The House Oversight Committee's deposition followed the release of Justice Department documents related to Epstein, in which Wexner's name appears. Wexner claims he was "conned" by Epstein, who cultivated relationships with influential figures, including Wexner and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Wexner's wealth and connections were instrumental in transforming Epstein from a money manager into a figure of global influence. The released documents reveal the extent to which Epstein integrated himself into Wexner's financial and philanthropic activities.

Les Wexner testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. In a written statement to the committee, Wexner claimed Epstein defrauded him of significant funds and denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes. Wexner stated he hired Epstein in the mid-1980s to manage his wealth but severed ties around 2007 after learning of Epstein's abuse and theft. Democrats on the panel subpoenaed Wexner after the release of new documents detailing their relationship. Five committee members traveled to Wexner's home in Ohio for a six-hour deposition, the video and transcript of which will be released soon. Wexner described himself as "duped" by Epstein, a "conman."

Former Victoria's Secret CEO Les Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, claiming he was "conned" by Jeffrey Epstein and had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. Wexner, the founder of L Brands, gave the closed-door testimony in Ohio after being subpoenaed as part of the committee's investigation into Epstein and his associates. He stated he was naive to trust Epstein, whom he described as a con man, while maintaining his innocence. Democratic lawmakers suggested Wexner downplayed the closeness of their relationship and provided limited new information. Some committee members emphasized Wexner's role in enabling Epstein's wealth and, consequently, his ability to commit crimes.

Billionaire Les Wexner testified before a congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he was "naive" and "conned" by the late sex offender. Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret, stated that Epstein stole "vast sums" of money while working as his financial advisor. The House Oversight Committee questioned Wexner about his relationship with Epstein and whether he knew about or enabled Epstein's crimes. Lawmakers allege Wexner's financial support was crucial to Epstein's wealth and activities. Wexner denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's abuse, stating he cut ties after the initial accusations. The deposition took place in Ohio, Wexner's home state, with only Democratic lawmakers in attendance.

Billionaire Les Wexner, former owner of Victoria's Secret, is scheduled to testify before Congress on Wednesday regarding his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner was subpoenaed by the House oversight committee as part of their investigation into Epstein's crimes. The testimony will occur in a closed-door deposition. Wexner hired Epstein in 1991 to manage his money and claims he severed ties in 2007, alleging Epstein misappropriated $46 million. Other Epstein associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell, have also been subpoenaed, with Maxwell invoking her right to remain silent. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act last year, mandating the release of investigative files, though some believe millions of pages remain undisclosed.