For decades, Les Wexner built a retail empire that defined America’s malls. Now the billionaire is trying to dismantle something else: His long association with Jeffrey Epstein.
In testimony submitted to lawmakers, Wexner said he was duped by a world-class con man, describing the late financier as a master manipulator who deceived him for years.
According to the Associated Press, the 88-year-old founder of L Brands denied knowing about Epstein’s crimes or participating in any abuse of girls and young women.
“I was nave, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man,” Wexner wrote in a statement to the House Oversight Committee. “And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”
Democrats subpoenaed Wexner following the latest release of Justice Department documents related to Epstein. In an unusual step, lawmakers traveled to Wexner’s home in New Albany for the interview.
Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times in the newly released Epstein files. His spokesperson said that is hardly surprising, given their decades-long financial relationship.
Wexner first met Jeffrey Epstein around 1986 through a business associate. At the time, Wexner’s retail brands — including Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch — were expanding rapidly.
Within a few years, Wexner handed Epstein sweeping control over his finances. In 1991, he granted Epstein power of attorney, allowing him to manage investments, execute business deals and purchase property — including parcels tied to Wexner’s sprawling New Albany estate.
In a 2003 interview with Vanity Fair, Wexner described Epstein as having “excellent judgment and unusually high standards,” calling him “always a most loyal friend.”
THE RELATIONSHIP FRACTURES
The partnership eventually collapsed. Wexner has said he severed ties in 2007 after discovering Epstein had stolen from him.
An investigative memo in the latest document release says Wexner’s attorneys told federal investigators in 2008 that Epstein repaid him $100 million — believed to be only a portion of what was misappropriated.
Still, records show the two communicated after that break. In June 2008, following Epstein’s plea deal in Florida on a charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor, Wexner emailed him: “All I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rulealways be careful.” Epstein replied, “no excuse.”
Wexner now says that by then Epstein had already been removed as financial adviser and stripped of access to his accounts.
‘SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT’
Wexner described himself in his statement as a philanthropist and community builder who has tried “to live my life in an ethical manner in line with my moral compass.” He said he was eager “to set the record straight” and counter what he called “outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumor, innuendo, and speculation.”
In court documents, Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre alleged that Wexner was among the men to whom she was trafficked. Wexner has denied ever meeting her and has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse.
Wexner has never been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.
ONGOING FALLOUT
The newly unsealed records have renewed pressure on Wexner from survivors and advocacy groups.
Epstein survivor Maria Farmer said the document release validated her early complaints to federal authorities. Meanwhile, survivors of abuse by former Ohio State University doctor Richard Strauss have cited Wexner’s past ties to Epstein as they push for his name to be removed from a campus football facility funded by his donations.
A judge recently ruled that Wexner can be compelled to testify in litigation involving Strauss survivors. Wexner served on Ohio State’s board of trustees during the years Strauss committed abuse.
As scrutiny intensifies, Wexner insists the core of his story is simple: he says he was deceived.
“He was a con man,” Wexner told lawmakers. “And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong.”
With inputs from Associated Press
