Democratic Lawmakers Question Les Wexner’s Testimony on Jeffrey Epstein
Democratic members of Congress expressed skepticism regarding billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner’s testimony about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein during a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee (HOC) on February 18. Wexner, who had previously given Epstein power of attorney over his vast fortune, maintained in a three-page statement before his testimony that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Wexner was subpoenaed by the committee following the release of an unredacted FBI document in 2019 that implicated him as a co-conspirator in Epstein’s child sex trafficking ring. Despite allegations from Epstein’s victims that Wexner was involved in or aware of the illicit activities, Wexner has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Ranking Member of the HOC, Robert Garcia (D-California), asserted in a press conference after the deposition that Wexner’s financial support enabled Epstein’s crimes, stating, “Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner.” Similarly, Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-Massachusetts) suggested that Wexner knew about Epstein’s actions but failed to intervene, allowing the crimes to continue.
In response to the accusations, Wexner’s representative emphasized that Wexner had paid Epstein for financial advice but was unaware of any criminal behavior. The representative also pointed out that Wexner was not Epstein’s sole source of funds, as indicated by documents released by the Department of Justice.
At 88 years old, Wexner, the retired founder of L Brands, has distanced himself from Epstein since 2007 when his wife discovered financial discrepancies involving Epstein. Wexner stated that he cut ties with Epstein after learning of his misconduct and revoked his power of attorney before Epstein’s conviction in 2008.
Despite allegations from Epstein’s accusers, including claims of sexual assault on Wexner’s property, Wexner maintains that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal behavior. He denied providing any assistance to Epstein in carrying out his crimes and clarified that Epstein purchased properties from him at fair market value.
While questions linger about the nature of Wexner’s relationship with Epstein, the billionaire reiterated his commitment to distancing himself from Epstein’s illicit activities. As the investigation continues, lawmakers remain divided on Wexner’s involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
