Billionaire Les Wexner tells US lawmakers he was 'naive' and 'conned' by Epstein

Billionaire Les Wexner Tells US Lawmakers He Was ‘Naive’ and ‘Conned’ by Epstein

Billionaire Les Wexner, known for his leadership of the Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand, recently addressed US lawmakers, declaring himself “naive,” “foolish,” and “gullible” for placing his trust in the late Jeffrey Epstein.

In a closed-door deposition, Wexner accused Epstein of siphoning off “vast sums” of money while serving as his financial advisor. The former CEO testified before a House committee investigating Epstein’s misconduct, denying any wrongdoing despite being labeled a potential co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI document, which ultimately led to no criminal charges against him.

Key Points from Wexner’s Testimony

– Financial Relationship: Wexner was called to testify due to his significant financial ties with Epstein, who had been given extensive control over his finances.
– Lawmakers’ Accusations: Some lawmakers suggested that Wexner must have been aware of Epstein’s illegal actions yet failed to intervene, with Congressman Robert Garcia stating, “there would be no Epstein island… without the support of Les Wexner.”
– Democratic Attendance Only: Only Democratic lawmakers were present for Wexner’s testimony, although some Republican staff members attended as well.

In his public opening statement, Wexner emphasized the limited nature of his relationship with Epstein, denying any awareness of the latter’s abusive behavior:
– “I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”
– Wexner expressed his desire to “set the record straight,” indicating he was pleased to testify.

Relationship History and Allegations

Wexner’s connection to Epstein dates back to the 1980s, but their relationship deteriorated after Epstein faced allegations of sexually abusing minors in Florida. Wexner noted that he later uncovered Epstein’s misappropriation of substantial funds from himself and his family—a claim reiterated during his recent testimony.

– Not a Target: Wexner’s legal team reported that he was viewed as a source of information regarding Epstein and was never considered a target in the investigation.
– FBI Findings: According to Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche, Wexner’s name appears numerous times in Epstein’s files, yet evidence of his involvement remains limited.

Conclusion

Les Wexner’s statement reflects a deep reckoning with the past, as he navigates the implications of his financial dealings with Epstein. The deposition highlights the complex web of relationships and accountability in the ongoing investigation surrounding Epstein’s actions. As Wexner reiterates his innocence, the scrutiny of his role and the broader connections to Epstein’s crimes continue to unfold.