A billionaire fashion mogul faced intense questioning Wednesday, drawn into the dark orbit of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Les Wexner, founder of L Brands – the empire behind Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works – appeared before the House Oversight Committee, named as a co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI document. The hearing promised a chilling glimpse into the financial networks that enabled Epstein’s abuse.
Wexner’s opening statement painted a startling picture: a man deceived. He claimed to have been “conned” by Epstein, a “world-class con man” who expertly cultivated trust while concealing a monstrous double life. He insisted he had no knowledge of, nor participation in, Epstein’s crimes, expressing deep regret for ever having crossed paths with the predator.
The narrative unfolded like a slow-motion betrayal. Wexner described being initially reluctant to accept Epstein’s financial advice, yet Epstein persisted, offering assistance as a “favor” and refusing payment. This, Wexner now realizes, was a calculated move to gain his confidence, a meticulously crafted deception that spanned years.
Epstein’s rise within Wexner’s world was fueled by carefully curated appearances. He spoke of influential clients – heads of state, politicians, royalty – creating an “aura of legitimacy” that masked his true intentions. Wexner recounted orchestrated encounters with prominent figures, designed to reinforce Epstein’s credibility and expand his network.
The relationship soured in 2007, as allegations against Epstein began to surface. Wexner discovered a shocking truth: Epstein had not only abused his trust but had also misappropriated vast sums of money. The betrayal cut deep, leading to an immediate severing of ties and a frantic attempt to recover stolen funds.
The committee’s unusual decision to travel to Ohio for the deposition underscored the importance of Wexner’s testimony. Lawmakers sought to unravel how Epstein amassed his wealth and how that fortune facilitated his crimes. The possibility of Wexner invoking his Fifth Amendment rights loomed, threatening to obstruct the investigation.
Wexner’s story is one of immense wealth and devastating manipulation. He was among Epstein’s earliest and most significant clients, granting him power of attorney over his considerable fortune. He even sold Epstein a Manhattan townhouse, later identified as a site of abuse. The extent of Wexner’s knowledge, and whether he truly was a naive victim, remained the central question.
The hearing is part of a broader House investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Epstein case. Previous depositions included testimony from former Attorney General Bill Barr, ex-Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, and convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, whose testimony was cut short by her invoking the Fifth Amendment.
Wexner’s account offered a chilling portrait of Epstein’s manipulative genius. He was described as “clever, diabolical, and a master manipulator,” meticulously concealing his crimes and exploiting the trust of those around him. The billionaire expressed his heartfelt sympathy for Epstein’s victims, acknowledging the unimaginable pain they endured.
Despite never facing criminal charges himself, Wexner’s connection to Epstein casts a long shadow. The House Oversight Committee hopes his testimony will unlock crucial information, shedding light on the intricate web of power and privilege that allowed a predator to operate with impunity for so long.
