Les Wexner Claims He Was 'Duped' by Epstein, Insists He Did 'Nothing Wrong'

Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret, faced lawmakers on Wednesday, asserting he was "duped" by Jeffrey Epstein while firmly denying any misconduct. This testimony was part of a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee, conducted from his residence in New Albany, Ohio, lasting approximately six hours.

At 88 years old, Wexner has been scrutinized for his connections to Epstein, who managed his finances for over a decade. In a statement provided to lawmakers, he claimed he "never witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity," distancing himself from allegations of being a "co-conspirator."

“I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide,” Wexner stated emphatically. He recounted severing ties with Epstein nearly two decades ago upon discovering Epstein's abusive behavior. “Let me be crystal clear: I never witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity,” he reiterated.

The committee spokesperson confirmed that Wexner answered all questions posed during the deposition. “We will release the video and transcript soon,” she noted, indicating transparency in the proceedings.

However, not all lawmakers were convinced. Representative Robert Garcia from California remarked that Wexner was attempting to minimize the extent of his relationship with Epstein. “There would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there would be no money to traffic women and girls without the support of Les Wexner,” Garcia asserted.

Another committee member, Representative Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, expressed skepticism about Wexner's claims. “There's no question in my mind that Les Wexner knew about this and failed to stop it,” he stated, reflecting the committee's concerns regarding Wexner's involvement.

Wexner's long-standing association with Epstein has raised eyebrows, especially after the FBI labeled him a potential "co-conspirator" in documents released following Epstein's death in 2019. In his defense, Wexner portrayed himself as a victim of Epstein’s manipulation, describing him as “clever, diabolical, and a master manipulator.”

He detailed how he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after learning about his solicitation of minors. Following a review of financial documents managed by Epstein, Wexner's wife discovered significant theft from their family funds. “Once I learned of his abusive conduct and theft from my family, I never spoke with Epstein again. Never,” he emphasized.

Wexner also addressed allegations made by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with him multiple times. He categorically denied these accusations, stating he has been faithful to his wife throughout their 36-year marriage. “Any suggestion to the contrary is absolutely and entirely false,” he asserted.

A legal representative for Wexner confirmed that he has cooperated fully with investigations into Epstein. “The Assistant U.S. Attorney told Mr. Wexner’s legal counsel in 2019 that Mr. Wexner was neither a co-conspirator nor target in any respect,” the representative stated.

Wexner recounted how he first met Epstein in the late 1980s through recommendations from influential figures at Bear Stearns and the Rothschild family. Initially reluctant to take him on as a client, Epstein offered financial advice without compensation, which Wexner later realized was part of a larger scheme to gain his trust.

In a letter to his foundation in 2019, Wexner expressed regret for ever associating with Epstein, stating, “I deeply regret having ever crossed his path.” Despite his denials, backlash continues over his connection to Epstein; the Ohio Nurses’ Association recently called for the removal of his name from facilities at Ohio State University due to the implications of his association with Epstein.

“Publicly available records document Leslie Wexner’s relationship with Epstein and raise serious concerns that cannot be brushed aside as historical footnotes,” the nurses association wrote in a letter to OSU. They emphasized that having Wexner's name associated with an institution dedicated to healing is retraumatizing for survivors of abuse.