US billionaire Les Wexner described himself as “naive, foolish and gullible” for trusting the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday. Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria’s Secret and L Brands, said Epstein misappropriated “vast sums” of money from him and his family while acting as his financial adviser.
The billionaire firmly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and said he had no involvement in the sex trafficker’s crimes. “He was a conman,” Wexner said. “While I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. I am pleased to testify and to set the record straight.”
Lawmakers challenged Wexner on whether he should have known about Epstein’s illegal activities. Congressman Robert Garcia of California said, “Mr Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner. There would be no Epstein island, no Epstein plane, no money to traffic women and girls, without that support.” Wexner responded by emphasizing that his relationship with Epstein was strictly financial and that he had cut ties after Epstein faced allegations of sexually abusing minors in Florida.
Wexner acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean for “a few hours” with his family but insisted he never witnessed any illegal conduct there. He also said that the pair’s relationship began in the 1980s and ended decades later, after he discovered Epstein had misappropriated significant funds.
In a 2019 FBI document, Wexner was listed as a potential co-conspirator of Epstein, although no charges were ever brought. His lawyers said that authorities had repeatedly clarified that Wexner was considered a source of information about Epstein and was not a target. Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously confirmed that Wexner’s name appears thousands of times in files related to Epstein’s case, though there was “limited evidence regarding his involvement.”
The hearing took place in Wexner’s home state of Ohio, with only Democratic lawmakers attending in person. Some Republican staff members were present, but no Republican representatives participated. Wexner’s spokesperson told reporters that the billionaire had “honestly answered every question put to him today” and reiterated his denial of involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The testimony follows the release of thousands of previously sealed documents detailing Epstein’s financial dealings and allegations of sexual abuse. Members of the Oversight Committee have been investigating Wexner’s role in enabling Epstein to accumulate wealth and operate his network of illicit activities.
Wexner’s case highlights the blurred lines between financial mentorship and complicity in high-profile criminal activity. While he admitted being “conned” by Epstein, he repeatedly stressed that he had no knowledge of the illegal conduct that made Epstein infamous worldwide.
As Wexner concluded his testimony, he said, “I was naive, I trusted the wrong person, and I regret being deceived. But I have fully cooperated with authorities and remain committed to telling the truth.” Lawmakers noted that while Wexner may have been misled, his support had unintentionally enabled Epstein’s criminal enterprise, leaving lingering questions about accountability in cases involving powerful individuals.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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