Les Wexner Calls Jeffrey Epstein a ‘World-Class Con Man’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Billionaire retail founder Les Wexner told Congress he was “duped” by former adviser Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement to lawmakers, Wexner denied knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Newly released Justice Department documents have renewed scrutiny of their decades-long relationship.
Les Wexner Epstein Statement to Congress Quick Looks
- Wexner says he was “naïve, foolish, and gullible”
- Subpoenaed by House Oversight Committee Democrats
- Name appears over 1,000 times in Epstein files
- Granted Epstein power of attorney in 1991
- Says Epstein stole “vast sums” and repaid $100 million
- Denies ever meeting accuser Virginia Giuffre
Deep Look: Les Wexner Calls Jeffrey Epstein a ‘World-Class Con Man’
Retail billionaire Les Wexner told members of Congress he was “duped by a world-class con man” in describing his long and controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, as new Justice Department records intensify scrutiny of their decades-long relationship.
In a written statement submitted ahead of a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee, Wexner, 88, insisted he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sexual crimes and did not participate in any abuse of girls or young women. Democrats on the committee subpoenaed Wexner following the release of additional federal documents detailing Epstein’s extensive connections with powerful figures.
“I was naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein,” Wexner wrote. “He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”
In an unusual step, lawmakers traveled to Wexner’s residence in New Albany, Ohio, to conduct the interview.
Wexner, the retired founder of L Brands, built a retail empire that once dominated American shopping malls with brands such as Victoria’s Secret, The Limited and Abercrombie & Fitch. In his statement, he described himself as a philanthropist and community leader committed to living ethically, saying he welcomed the opportunity to “set the record straight” and push back against what he called “outrageous untrue statements” and speculation about his ties to Epstein.
As one of Epstein’s most prominent former associates, Wexner has faced years of questions about how the disgraced financier came to manage his fortune. Court filings by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked to several powerful men, including Wexner. He has denied the allegation and says he never met Giuffre. Wexner has not been charged with any crimes connected to Epstein.
According to federal records, Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times in documents related to Epstein. A spokesperson for Wexner said that frequency reflects the pair’s long professional and personal association, not wrongdoing.
Their relationship began in the mid-1980s after they were introduced through a business contact. Within a few years, Wexner granted Epstein sweeping authority over his finances, including power of attorney in 1991. That authority allowed Epstein to execute investments, manage transactions and oversee development of Wexner’s expansive estate in New Albany.
In a 2003 interview, Wexner praised Epstein’s “excellent judgment” and called him a loyal friend. But the relationship later deteriorated. Wexner has said he severed ties in 2007 after discovering Epstein had stolen substantial amounts of money from him and his family.
A 2019 letter from Wexner disclosed that Epstein had misappropriated “vast sums.” Newly released investigative records indicate Wexner’s attorneys told federal investigators in 2008 that Epstein repaid $100 million — an amount believed to represent only part of what had been taken.
Documents released this month show the two men remained in contact after Wexner says he terminated Epstein as his financial adviser. In June 2008, following Epstein’s plea deal in Florida on charges related to soliciting prostitution from a minor, Wexner emailed him expressing regret about the outcome and referencing the importance of caution. Epstein replied, “no excuse.”
Wexner’s spokesperson said the 2007 date cited publicly referred specifically to Epstein’s removal as financial adviser, revocation of power of attorney and elimination of access to bank accounts.
Among the new disclosures is a draft letter allegedly written by Epstein referencing years of mutual financial reliance and shared history. Wexner’s representatives say he never received the letter and describe it as consistent with what they call Epstein’s pattern of manipulative behavior after their falling out.
The renewed document release has also emboldened survivors. Maria Farmer, one of Epstein’s earliest accusers, said a redacted FBI report included in the files confirms she filed one of the first complaints against him. Her allegations describe abuse in 1996 at Epstein’s New Albany residence, located about half a mile from the Wexners’ home. The Wexners have said they were unaware of Farmer’s allegations until years later when they surfaced publicly.
The fallout has extended beyond the Epstein case itself. Survivors of Richard Strauss, a former Ohio State University physician found to have sexually abused at least 177 male students, have cited Wexner’s association with Epstein in efforts to remove his name from a campus athletic complex funded by his donations. Wexner served on Ohio State’s board of trustees during part of Strauss’ tenure. A judge recently ruled that Wexner can be compelled to testify in that separate lawsuit.
For Wexner, the congressional interview represents another attempt to defend his reputation as the Epstein case continues to reverberate years after Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody, which authorities ruled a suicide.
In his statement to lawmakers, Wexner acknowledged personal regret over the relationship but maintained that he was a victim of deception rather than a participant in wrongdoing. “I have nothing to hide,” he wrote, as Congress continues examining Epstein’s network and the roles of those once within his inner circle.
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