Les Wexner
Retail mogul Les Wexner has defended his long-standing ties to Jeffrey Epstein, describing himself as 'naive, foolish and gullible' for trusting the financier. Columbus Metropolitan Library/Wikimedia Commons

Les Wexner, the prominent businessman behind Victoria's Secret, has faced significant backlash over his long association with a convicted offender.

Despite the serious allegations, the billionaire maintains that he was an unsuspecting victim of a master manipulator. He insists that his trust was exploited and that he had no knowledge of the illegal activities occurring behind the scenes.

Claims of Deception and Financial Theft

American billionaire Les Wexner, reportedly a central figure in Jeffrey Epstein's wealth, has called himself 'naive, foolish and gullible' for having faith in the late sex offender. In a statement to US lawmakers, the former chief executive of the Victoria's Secret lingerie label alleged that Epstein stole 'vast sums' of money from his family during his time as their financial adviser.

Wexner, who spoke to a House committee during its inquiry into Epstein, has consistently denied any misconduct. He was named as a possible accomplice in an FBI report from 2019, yet no legal action was ever taken against him.

A Tense Testimony in Ohio

Legislators charged the billionaire with being aware of Epstein's criminal activities yet failing to intervene. On Wednesday, Wexner appeared before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee to address his ties to the financier following the disclosure of thousands of files detailing Epstein's offences. To hear this testimony, committee members made the trip to Wexner's home in Ohio.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the 88-year-old businessman stated: 'Mr Wexner honestly answered every question put to him today by the Committee. Mr Wexner reiterated that he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein's illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently.'

Political Divide Over Accountability

The deposition saw participation only from Democrats, with Republican committee members staying away, although some of their staff attended. California's Robert Garcia told those gathered: 'We should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there'd be no money to traffic women and girls. Mr Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner.'

In his opening remarks, Wexner defended his involvement by claiming his ties to Epstein were minimal, and he denied knowing about the convicted offender's abuse, according to a report by the BBC. 'I was naive, foolish and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein,' he stated. 'He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.' He added that he was 'pleased to testify' and wished 'to set the record straight.'

Ties Dating Back to the Eighties

Wexner also mentioned that he had spent 'a few hours' on Epstein's private island alongside his family. Their association began in the 1980s, though the mogul claimed he ended the relationship once Epstein faced allegations of child sexual abuse in Florida.

Wexner explained that he later realised Epstein 'had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family,' an assertion he reiterated in his opening remarks.

Scrutiny from Federal Investigators

An FBI report from 2019 labelled the retail magnate as a potential accomplice. However, a different email noted there was 'limited evidence regarding his involvement.'

Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously noted that Wexner's name 'appears in the files thousands of times.'

However, his legal team recently told the BBC: 'The Assistant US Attorney told Mr Wexner's legal counsel in 2019 that Mr Wexner was being viewed as a source of information about Epstein and was not a target in any respect. Mr Wexner cooperated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again.'

Writer's pick