Les Wexner's Lawyer Caught on Hot Mic—'I'll F*cking Kill You If You Answer More Than 5 Words' in Epstein Deposition

The deposition of US billionaire Les Wexner has taken a dramatic turn after his lawyer was caught on a hot mic threatening him to keep his answers short. The incident, captured in video released by the House Oversight Committee, underscores the strain in the ongoing probe into the Epstein files.

Wexner, 88, denied any knowledge of Epstein's sex crimes, calling himself 'naïve' for trusting the 'world-class con man'. Democrats labelled the testimony evasive, raising more questions than answers.

The Hot Mic Moment

The remark came from Michael Levy, Wexner's attorney, about four and a half hours into questioning on 18 February at Wexner's Ohio home. 'I'll f***ing kill you if you answer another question with more than five words, OK?' Levy whispered, apparently irked by Wexner's tendency to elaborate.

Wexner chuckled in response, but the exchange has sparked debate about whether it reflects efforts to limit disclosures in the sensitive Epstein inquiry. The clip quickly spread online, with conservative commentator Benny Johnson sharing it on X to his millions of followers, describing it as a 'hot mic' revelation in the Epstein saga.

It adds a layer of intrigue to Wexner's appearance before the committee, which subpoenaed him after Justice Department files highlighted his role in Epstein's rise. The full five-hour video, made public on 19 February, shows Wexner fielding questions on everything from financial dealings to social interactions with Epstein. Levy did not comment on the incident when approached.

Wexner's Ties to Epstein Explored

Wexner met Epstein in the mid-1980s through mutual business contacts, including Bear Stearns executives and members of the Rothschild family. By 1991, he had granted Epstein power of attorney over his finances, allowing him to manage investments, properties, and deals. Committee members pressed Wexner on transfers totalling about £744 million ($1 billion), including stocks and direct payments that bolstered Epstein's empire.

Wexner insisted he was duped, claiming he discovered in 2007 that Epstein had stolen vast sums from his family. He revoked Epstein's authority, removed him from bank accounts, and forced a resignation from related entities. Epstein repaid £74.4 million ($100 million), though Wexner believed this was only part of the misappropriated funds. Wexner denied social closeness, saying their relationship was professional and he never witnessed Epstein's crimes.

He rejected allegations from accuser Virginia Giuffre that Epstein trafficked her to him, calling them 'absolutely and entirely false'. Wexner admitted visiting Epstein's Caribbean island once, describing it as 'crummy', and said he had minimal contact with figures like former Prince Andrew or Donald Trump through Epstein. A 2003 interview praising Epstein's 'high standards' was attributed to naivety.

Lawmakers' Scepticism

Democrats on the committee were unimpressed, with ranking member Robert Garcia asserting Wexner provided no new insights and showed little remorse. 'He denied everything,' Garcia said midway through the deposition, highlighting Wexner's pivotal role in funding Epstein's lifestyle, including his plane and properties.

Fellow Democrat Stephen Lynch suggested Wexner must have known about the abuses but failed to intervene. The probe stems from recently released DOJ documents mentioning Wexner over 1,000 times, including a 2019 FBI note labelling him a potential co-conspirator—though no charges followed.

Wexner's team maintained he answered every question honestly and cooperated fully. As of 20 February 2026, the committee continues reviewing the Epstein files, with calls from groups like the Ohio Nurses' Association to strip Wexner's name from funded institutions due to the controversy. The deposition offers fresh scrutiny of how Epstein amassed influence, but Wexner remains uncharged, insisting his only fault was being conned.