Les Wexner Addresses US Lawmakers on Epstein Relationship
US billionaire Les Wexner, alleged to have played a significant role in assisting Jeffrey Epstein in amassing his wealth, described himself as "naive, foolish and gullible" for placing trust in the late convicted sex offender.
In a statement delivered to US lawmakers, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret accused Epstein of misappropriating "vast sums" of money from his family during his tenure as Wexner's financial adviser.
Wexner was testifying before a congressional panel investigating Epstein. While lawmakers suggested his involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, Wexner denied any participation.
He was named as a potential co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI document, though no charges were filed against him.
Congressional Testimony and Committee Details
On Wednesday, Wexner appeared before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee to answer questions regarding his association with Epstein, following the release of thousands of documents related to Epstein's misconduct.
Committee members traveled to Wexner's home state of Ohio for the testimony.
A spokesperson for the 88-year-old billionaire told the BBC:
"Mr Wexner honestly answered every question put to him today by the Committee. Mr Wexner reiterated that he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein's illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently."
Only Democratic lawmakers attended the deposition; no Republican lawmakers were present, though some Republican staff members attended.
California Congressman Robert Garcia stated:
"We should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there'd be no money to traffic women and girls. Mr Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner."
Wexner's Defense and Admission
In his opening remarks, Wexner defended the references to him but maintained that his relationship with Epstein was limited and denied any awareness of Epstein's abuse.
"I was naive, foolish and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein," he said. "He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide."
He expressed that he was "pleased to testify" and aimed "to set the record straight."
Wexner also disclosed that he had visited Epstein's private island for "a few hours" accompanied by his family.
The relationship between Wexner and Epstein dates back to the 1980s. Wexner stated he severed ties after Epstein faced accusations of sexually abusing children in Florida.
He further revealed that he later found out Epstein "had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family," a claim he reiterated during his opening statement.
FBI Documents and Legal Context
The retail magnate was identified in a 2019 FBI document as a potential co-conspirator. Another email indicated there was "limited evidence regarding his involvement."
Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously noted that Wexner's name "appears in the files thousands of times."
Wexner's legal representatives recently told the BBC:
"The Assistant US Attorney told Mr Wexner's legal counsel in 2019 that Mr Wexner was being viewed as source of information about Epstein and was not a target in any respect. Mr Wexner co-operated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again."
