Billionaire and arts supporter Les Wexner faced skepticism from Democratic members of Congress following his private deposition to the House Oversight Committee on February 18, concerning his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite granting Epstein power of attorney over his vast wealth, Wexner stated in a prepared document that he “never witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity.” This deposition followed a January subpoena after the FBI named Wexner in a 2019 document as a co-conspirator in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
Wexner has consistently denied involvement since Epstein’s arrest in 2019. Although he has not faced charges, some Epstein victims have accused Wexner of complicity. The House Oversight Committee’s Robert Garcia criticized Wexner, claiming Epstein’s financial power was largely due to Wexner’s backing. Stephen Lynch echoed concerns about Wexner’s potential awareness of Epstein’s actions, suggesting Wexner enabled Epstein’s criminal activities.
In communications with Hyperallergic, Wexner’s representative reaffirmed that Wexner had paid Epstein for financial advice but was unaware of his crimes. The representative noted that Wexner was not Epstein’s sole financier, according to Justice Department documents. Wexner, who retired as CEO of L Brands in 2020, remains involved with the Wexner Foundation and the Wexner Center for the Arts, which will maintain its association with the family despite public scrutiny.
Allegations from Virginia Roberts Giuffre and artist Maria Farmer have implicated Wexner, though Giuffre’s attorney suggested Wexner’s claims of ignorance may be true. Farmer accused Epstein and Maxwell of assault at Wexner’s Ohio estate and described restrictions on her movements there. The Wexners have denied knowing Farmer or her claims until recently, refuting her account of contacting Abigail Wexner.
Further allegations emerged from a 2022 Hulu documentary, which suggested Wexner was aware of Epstein’s fraudulent activities involving Victoria’s Secret. Wexner asserts his relationship with Epstein ended after discovering financial misconduct in 2007 and has consistently denied gifting Epstein a New York townhouse. Epstein’s unsent letter to Wexner, surfaced in recent files, implies a deeper connection, but Wexner’s spokesperson dismissed it as part of Epstein’s false narratives.
