DOJ Epstein Files Put Ohio Billionaire Les Wexner Back in the Spotlight

Ohio billionaire Les Wexner was deposed on Wednesday as part of a U.S. House of Representatives probe following the release of millions of pages of Department of Justice (DOJ) files connected to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This marks the latest public development in the ongoing examination of the Epstein investigation and related records.

The closed‑door deposition by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee took place in Columbus, Ohio, where Wexner, 88, was questioned about his past relationship with Epstein as public records and congressional scrutiny intensified.

Background: DOJ File Releases Under Scrutiny

In late 2025 and early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice completed the phased public release of millions of pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law requiring the disclosure of unclassified records related to Epstein's prosecution and investigations.

Critics and lawmakers have debated how redactions and the pace of disclosure have affected transparency. Recently, the DOJ un‑redacted certain names in previously withheld FBI records after lawmakers expressed concern that individuals labelled as co‑conspirators had been obscured.

One of the names included in the newly un‑redacted federal records is Les Wexner, the former chief executive of U.S. retail giant L Brands, which oversaw brands including Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works.

Wexner's Historical Ties to Epstein

DOJ files and accompanying FBI records show that Epstein managed Wexner's personal finances in the 1990s, a relationship that included Epstein holding power of attorney over certain financial matters.

Documents made publicly available earlier in the release process also show Wexner's name appearing in numerous records, including correspondence and interviews — though Wexner has previously stated he was not aware of Epstein's criminal activities during their association.

Wexner has publicly acknowledged that he ended his business relationship with Epstein in 2007 after discovering financial misconduct and that Epstein repaid funds that Wexner said had been misappropriated.

Congressional Deposition and Oversight

During Wednesday's deposition, Wexner answered questions from members of the House Oversight Committee regarding his historical interactions with Epstein and his understanding of documents that now form part of the public record.

Committee officials have emphasised that the deposition is part of a broader effort to understand fully the contents of the DOJ's Epstein file release and the context in which certain associations and activities occurred.

In addition to Wexner's testimony, lawmakers have indicated that further sessions and depositions are expected as part of the ongoing review. Reports indicate that the committee is also scheduling depositions with additional individuals whose names appear in the released files.

Public and Legal Context

The release of the so‑called Epstein files — numbering in the millions of pages — remains one of the most expansive disclosures of federal investigative materials in recent memory, prompted by legislative action and sustained attention from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Supporters of the Transparency Act say that wider access to the records allows for greater accountability and understanding of Epstein's criminal network, while critics have highlighted ongoing redactions and challenges in identifying context within the released material.

As the congressional probe continues, Wexner's deposition represents a key milestone in bringing clarity to long‑standing questions about the network of relationships documented within the DOJ's public archive.