Les Wexner Deposition Reveals Epstein Ties—What the 5-Hour Grilling Exposed

The unsealed deposition of Victoria's Secret billionaire Les Wexner has finally shed light on his long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Over five hours of intense questioning, the retail mogul addressed years of speculation regarding how much he knew about the financier's actions. These revelations offer a rare look into the private dealings of a man who once handed Epstein near-total control over his vast personal fortune.

The House Oversight Committee shared its lengthy interrogation of the New Albany billionaire and former L Brands chief as part of the Jeffrey Epstein probe. The session delved into the ties between the retail mogul and the convicted sex offender who passed away while in federal custody. Throughout the inquiry, the L Brands founder has remained free of any criminal allegations related to his history with the financier.

Insights from the Wexner Testimony

According to the testimony, the two met through mutual contacts in the mid-1980s. Wexner initially viewed him as nothing more than a typical individual. He stated they were never close and shared no private connection, noting that their talks almost always revolved around work.

According to the testimony, the billionaire and his wife, Abigail, ended their association after discovering that funds had been withdrawn from their accounts. This break coincided with the 2008 legal proceedings regarding the financier's criminal charges. Epstein had originally secured his position by claiming he handled affairs for the Rothschild family and held a high-level position at companies such as Bear Stearns.

Enquiries into Potential Warning Signs

The panel asked if any behaviour had ever hinted that the individual was involved in the abuse or trafficking of women. Wexner denied seeing any such signs, explaining that he had frequently reflected on their interactions to be sure. He testified, 'Absolutely not,' and told the committee, 'There's nothing I could recall.'

Financial Misconduct Claims

During the hearing, a committee member asked if the billionaire knew the extent of the suspected theft. Wexner replied that he was unaware of the amount and expressed doubt that he would ever find out.

The committee noted that Epstein managed a trust that got stock from Wexner's company, Limited. Epstein then sold that stock on the market and used the cash for his own purposes. Wexner said he was unaware of the situation and was 'effing surprised.'

The investigator then mentioned a report stating that Epstein sold $1.3 billion (£970 million) in shares. Wexner maintained that he had no idea about this. Further questioning highlighted reports that Wexner's own charitable groups reportedly gave $20 million (£14.88 million) in stock or cash to one of Epstein's charities. When questioned on the matter, Wexner replied that he was 'effing shocked. I'm appalled. I never heard that.'

Refutation of Sexual Allegations

During the questioning, Wexner denied having sexual encounters with any individual brought to him by Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. He further dismissed suggestions of a sexual bond with Epstein himself, asserting that he is 'very straight.'

The committee asked Wexner if he knew Epstein was acting on behalf of Victoria's Secret, a brand under L Brands. Wexner stated he was only aware of this happening once. He explained that Epstein had been presenting himself as a talent scout to find models for the company, a role Wexner said he had not authorised.

Visits to Epstein's Island and Zorro Ranch

Wexner confirmed that he and his family once went to Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands. He said that they arrived by boat and only stayed for roughly an hour. When questioned, Wexner stated he saw no famous individuals or young women who appeared out of place there. He also denied knowing that Epstein used any of his personal assets to move women or minors to the island.

According to Wexner, he and his wife, Abigail, visited the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico for only an hour. The panel questioned the logic of flying there for such a short period. Wexner replied, 'Yeah. I would fly to Europe for one hour on business trips, as crazy as it is. Getting on the plane and going places for me was like going to the mailbox.'

This testimony comes as the Associated Press reported that the attorney general in New Mexico has reopened an inquiry into allegations of illegal conduct at the ranch.

The Connection to Dr Mark Landon

During the deposition, the committee brought up Dr Mark Landon, a physician at Ohio State. While Landon is mentioned frequently throughout the Epstein files, the records do not link him to any criminal activity.

Dr Landon issued a statement last week explaining that he served as a 'paid consultant for the New York Strategy Group regarding potential biotech investments from 2001 to 2005.' This arrangement concluded in 2006.

Records from the Department of Justice include internal messages asking Epstein if the firm was continuing Landon's $25,000 (£18,594) quarterly instalments. Epstein answered, 'Yes. 75 per year.'

Further documents showed that the strategy group billed Wexner and Abigail 'in advance as we have in prior years.' When the committee asked if Epstein was paying the doctor on his behalf for investment advice, Wexner denied any prior knowledge. He told the panel, 'I just heard about that. I didn't know that until maybe the last few days.'

One committee member expressed scepticism, remarking: 'You know, Mr. Wexner, I'm watching this all unfold and I just want you to know that it's incredibly hard for people to understand you don't know this. Maybe you don't know specific details. Maybe you don't know the dollar amounts, but Epstein was able to be empowered and able to hurt more people with your money. You understand that?' Wexner replied that Epstein was a crook but insisted he did not know the reason behind the payments to Landon.