Leslie Wexner is once again facing intense public and political scrutiny over his past relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. During a closed-door congressional deposition this week, the 88-year-old billionaire firmly denied having a close personal relationship with Epstein — a claim sharply challenged by lawmakers.
At the center of his testimony is a clear message: Les Wexner says Jeffrey Epstein “manipulated” and deceived him, rejecting any claims of misconduct.
Lawmakers Question Wexner’s Account
The deposition, held at Wexner’s home in New Albany, Ohio, was part of an ongoing investigation led by the House Oversight Committee. However, Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top-ranking Democrat, publicly questioned Wexner’s portrayal of the relationship.
Garcia described Wexner’s assertion that he had little to no social connection with Epstein as implausible. Speaking during a break in proceedings, he expressed skepticism about Wexner’s statements and frustration that federal authorities had not contacted him regarding Epstein-related matters.
Garcia criticized the Department of Justice, calling it unacceptable that the FBI had not reached out to Wexner despite his central financial ties to Epstein.
New Document Release Reignites Debate
The deposition follows the Department of Justice’s recent release of millions of pages of documents detailing additional links between Epstein and prominent figures in business and politics. The new material has revived questions about how Epstein amassed his wealth and the network that surrounded him.
Wexner, the retired founder of Victoria’s Secret’s former parent company L Brands, has long been scrutinized for his financial dealings with Epstein. For years, Epstein was widely known as Wexner’s only publicly identified client.
Lawmakers say understanding the financial relationship is key to uncovering how Epstein funded his lavish lifestyle — including private jets, luxury properties, and a private island.
“Naïve, Foolish, and Gullible”
In a prepared statement submitted before the deposition, Wexner acknowledged placing significant trust in Epstein decades ago.
He described himself as “naïve, foolish, and gullible” for trusting Epstein and characterized the financier as a “con man” who led a carefully concealed double life. Wexner emphasized that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and was never involved in any illegal activities.
Reiterating his stance, Wexner insisted he never witnessed Epstein in the presence of minors and never saw any behavior that would have alerted him to wrongdoing.
He also stated that he severed ties with Epstein nearly 20 years ago, once he became aware of troubling information about him. According to Wexner, that break was “complete and irrevocable.”
The Power of Attorney and Financial Control
One of the most controversial aspects of their relationship involves Wexner granting Epstein power of attorney over his finances — a decision that allowed Epstein broad authority to conduct transactions on Wexner’s behalf.
Wexner explained that due to his corporate responsibilities, he needed someone who could execute financial decisions quickly without requiring his constant signature. He said he granted Epstein similar authority to what he later gave to Epstein’s successor.
However, Wexner claims he did not anticipate Epstein abusing that trust.
He recounted that Epstein initially declined to formally take him on as a client and instead offered occasional financial advice without charge. Looking back, Wexner now believes Epstein was deliberately building trust to gain greater access to his finances.
Disputes Over Travel and Property Claims
Wexner also addressed longstanding rumors regarding his association with Epstein’s properties and travel.
He denied ever flying on Epstein’s private jet and rejected claims that he gifted Epstein a New York townhouse. Instead, Wexner said Epstein purchased the property at its appraised value and that he never returned to the residence afterward.
He did acknowledge visiting Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands once, explaining that he and his family stopped briefly during a cruise.
Wexner stated that he officially revoked Epstein’s power of attorney in September 2007 — months before Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges involving solicitation of a minor.
No Charges Filed Against Wexner
Despite years of scrutiny, Wexner has never been charged with any crime related to Epstein.
After Epstein’s 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges and subsequent death by suicide in jail, Wexner publicly expressed embarrassment over his association with him. He described feeling deeply regretful for having been deceived.
The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to Wexner and other Epstein associates earlier this year with bipartisan support, signaling that lawmakers continue to pursue clarity on Epstein’s finances and network.
Survivors Remain at the Center
In a statement shared with media outlets, the Wexner Foundation expressed sympathy for survivors of Epstein’s crimes, saying the organization holds them in its thoughts and prays for their healing and strength.
While Wexner maintains that he was misled by a skilled manipulator, lawmakers argue that unanswered questions remain — particularly about the flow of money and the duration of the relationship.
As investigations continue, the broader debate persists: how did Epstein build and sustain such wealth and influence, and who truly knew what — and when?
