Les Wexner: Who Is He? The Billionaire Who Says Jeffrey Epstein ‘Duped’ Him

Les Wexner built one of the most influential retail empires in modern American history, shaping shopping malls across the United States for decades. As the founder of L Brands – the parent company behind major names like Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works – Wexner became one of the country’s most prominent business leaders. Today, however, the 88-year-old billionaire is confronting renewed questions about his past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Appearing before congressional investigators, Wexner described Epstein as a “world-class con man” who deceived him over many years. He told lawmakers he had been manipulated and defrauded, insisting he had no involvement in, or knowledge of, Epstein’s abuse of girls and young women.

“I was too naive, stupid, and credulous to have any faith in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man,” Wexner said in a statement submitted to the House Oversight Committee. “And even though I was duped, I have nothing to conceal and have done nothing wrong.”

Justice Department Documents Revive Scrutiny

Democratic lawmakers subpoenaed Wexner following the recent release of Justice Department files related to Epstein. In an unusual move, legislators traveled to Wexner’s New Albany, Ohio, residence to conduct the interview.

According to the newly disclosed records, Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times in the Epstein files. His spokesperson has said that given their extensive financial dealings over decades, such references are not unexpected.

Wexner first met Epstein in 1986 through a mutual business connection. At the time, Wexner’s retail brands – including Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria’s Secret – were expanding rapidly. Epstein soon became deeply involved in managing Wexner’s personal finances.

By 1991, Wexner had granted Epstein sweeping authority over his financial affairs, including power of attorney. This legal authority allowed Epstein to oversee investments, execute business transactions, and acquire property – including parcels connected to Wexner’s expansive New Albany estate.

In a 2003 interview with Vanity Fair, Wexner described Epstein as “always a most loyal friend” who had “excellent judgment and unusually high standards.”

The Fracture in Their Relationship

The partnership eventually unraveled. Wexner has said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after discovering that funds had been misappropriated. According to an investigative letter included in the recent document release, Wexner’s attorneys told federal investigators in 2008 that Epstein had repaid $100 million – believed to be only a fraction of what had allegedly been embezzled.

However, records indicate that communication between the two men continued after that period. In a June 2008 email, sent after Epstein reached a plea agreement in Florida on a charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor, Wexner wrote: “All I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule – always be careful.” Epstein responded briefly: “No excuse.”

Wexner has maintained that by that time Epstein had already been dismissed as his financial adviser and stripped of access to his accounts.

“Setting the Record Straight”

In his congressional statement, Wexner portrayed himself as a community builder and philanthropist who has sought to live “in an ethical manner in line with my moral compass.” He said he welcomed the opportunity to “set the record straight” in response to what he described as “outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumor, innuendo, and speculation.”

Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, alleged in court filings that Wexner was among the men who trafficked her. Wexner has denied ever meeting Giuffre and has rejected any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse.

Importantly, Wexner has never been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.

Continuing Fallout and Public Pressure

The renewed release of federal documents has intensified scrutiny of Wexner from survivors and advocacy groups. Maria Farmer, who has publicly accused Epstein of abuse, said the document disclosures validate concerns she previously raised with federal authorities.

In Ohio, survivors of abuse by former Ohio State University physician Richard Strauss have also pointed to Wexner’s past ties to Epstein. Wexner served on the Ohio State board of trustees during the period when Strauss was accused of misconduct. Survivors are now seeking to remove Wexner’s name from a campus Football stadium funded through his donations.

A recent judicial ruling suggests Wexner could be compelled to testify in ongoing litigation related to Strauss survivors, further extending the legal and reputational repercussions.

A Reputation Under Examination

For decades, Les Wexner was primarily known as a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist whose influence reshaped American retail. Now, as new documents bring renewed attention to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, his legacy faces closer examination.

Despite mounting scrutiny, Wexner continues to insist the essential narrative is straightforward: he was deceived.

“He was a con man,” Wexner told lawmakers. “And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong.”