Les Wexner Claims Jeffrey Epstein Duped Him for Years, Calls Himself Naive and Gullible

The retail magnate Les Wexner, founder of L Brands, recently presented a stark account of his relationship with deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein to the House Oversight Committee, asserting he was “duped by a world-class con man.” Wexner, 88, who built an empire that once included Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or participation in the abuse of girls and young women. His statement, submitted before an interview conducted at his Ohio estate, characterized himself as “naive, foolish, and gullible” for trusting Epstein, maintaining he had “nothing to hide.”

Wexner’s decades-long association with Epstein has drawn considerable scrutiny, particularly after the Justice Department’s recent release of Epstein-related documents. These files mention Wexner’s name over a thousand times, a frequency his spokesperson attributed to their enduring ties rather than any implication of guilt. Wexner has never faced criminal charges related to Epstein’s activities. During his testimony, Wexner portrayed himself as a philanthropist and community builder, eager to “set the record straight” regarding the “outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumor, innuendo, and speculation” that have followed him since Epstein’s crimes came to light.

Their relationship, which began around 1986, saw Epstein transition from a business associate to Wexner’s financial adviser. Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney in 1991, entrusting him with vast financial management, investments, and property dealings. This period coincided with Wexner’s expansion of his retail ventures and the development of New Albany, an upscale Columbus suburb, where Epstein also played a role. Wexner described Epstein as a “master manipulator” who meticulously cultivated trust, once telling Vanity Fair in 2003 that Epstein possessed “excellent judgment and unusually high standards” and was a “most loyal friend.”

However, this perception dramatically shifted. Wexner claims the partnership ended bitterly in 2007, when he and his wife discovered Epstein had been stealing from them. He relayed to lawmakers that Epstein “lived a double life,” projecting an image of a legitimate financial guru while concealing his misdeeds. Wexner insisted he never circulated in Epstein’s social circles and only visited Epstein’s infamous island once for a few hours with his family. He testified he never witnessed Epstein with young girls, acknowledging the “unfathomable” pain Epstein inflicted.

Despite Wexner’s assertion of a 2007 break, Justice Department records indicate contact between the two post-2007. An email from Wexner to Epstein in June 2008, following Epstein’s plea deal for soliciting prostitution from a minor, read, “Abigail told me the result… all I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule… always be careful.” Epstein’s reply was simply, “no excuse.” Wexner’s spokesperson clarified that the 2007 date referred specifically to terminating Epstein as a financial adviser, revoking his power of attorney, and removing his name from Wexner’s bank accounts.

Congressional investigators, including California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia, expressed skepticism about Wexner’s claims, with Garcia stating, “There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.” Garcia also noted that investigators have identified over $1 billion “transferred, provided in stocks or given directly” by Wexner to Epstein, though Wexner “appears to be unaware” of much of it. Epstein’s own notes, released in the documents, suggest a deep mutual dependency, with Epstein scribbling, “never ever, did anything without informing les” and “I would never give him up,” alongside a draft letter implying “gang stuff” and mutual enrichment over 15 years. Wexner’s spokesperson dismissed these as “untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements” by Epstein.

Allegations from some accusers suggest Epstein leveraged his connection to Wexner, claiming he could secure modeling jobs for Victoria’s Secret. One aspiring actor told the FBI that Epstein, claiming to be best friends with the Victoria’s Secret owner, instructed her to be comfortable in her underwear. Another woman reported Epstein to police in 1997 for groping her during what she believed was a modeling interview for the brand. Wexner’s lawyers reportedly told investigators in 2008 that when Wexner inquired about rumors of Epstein associating himself with Victoria’s Secret, Epstein denied it. Wexner did not directly address these specific claims in his recent statement, but reiterated his grievance at being deceived by an “abuser, a crook, and a liar.” The retail giant L Brands sold off Victoria’s Secret in 2020, one of Wexner’s final acts as chairman.

Ruth Forbes

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