Mogul Les Wexner Testifies to Congress, Calls Himself 'Conned' by Epstein
Les Wexner, the billionaire former chief executive behind a major lingerie brand, told a congressional oversight panel that he was duped by Jeffrey Epstein but denied any knowledge of or participation in Epstein’s criminal conduct. Wexner provided a prepared statement as he testified on Wednesday before lawmakers probing the late financier’s network.
Denial, remorse and the prepared statement
In a prepared statement submitted to the committee, the 88-year-old mogul said, "I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. " He described himself as "naïve, foolish, and gullible" for placing trust in Epstein and said he was "conned" by what he called a "world-class con man. " Wexner emphasized that he never witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity and rejected suggestions that he was a co-conspirator.
Wexner said he permanently severed his relationship with Epstein in 2007 after learning that Epstein was an "abuser, a crook, and a liar. " He stated that his wife began reviewing financial records that Epstein had managed, concluding that Epstein had stolen substantial sums from their family. Wexner said his household revoked Epstein’s power of attorney, removed his access to accounts, and forced his resignation from affiliated entities that year.
The mogul also addressed salacious and damaging allegations that have circulated in litigation materials and previously released documents. He denied ever being unfaithful to his wife and called any suggestion otherwise "absolutely and entirely false. " Wexner has not been charged with criminal wrongdoing.
Financial ties, alleged misappropriation and documents
Wexner acknowledged that Epstein managed his personal finances beginning in the early 1990s. He told the committee that Epstein misappropriated roughly $46 million from his assets, characterization Wexner used to underscore his contention that he was a victim of theft and deception rather than an enabler of criminal conduct.
Federal files released in recent tranches include references to Wexner and an internal FBI document that flagged him as a potential co-conspirator in the wake of Epstein’s 2019 death. Wexner has pointed to the timing of his break with Epstein and to actions taken in 2007 as proof that he had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal enterprise. The oversight panel is examining those documents and additional materials to determine the extent of ties among Epstein’s circle.
Congressional subpoenas and the wider probe
Wexner is one of several individuals subpoenaed to appear in the committee’s broader inquiry into Epstein’s activities and the networks that surrounded him. Other witnesses called to testify include figures who have faced intense public scrutiny, and at least one recent deposition produced silence from a witness who cited ongoing legal matters and potential clemency considerations in declining to answer questions.
Legislation passed last year mandated the release of investigative files related to Epstein, and the justice department has provided multiple document releases. Transparency advocates continue to press for additional disclosures as the committee pursues witnesses and seeks to clarify who knew what, and when, about Epstein’s conduct.
Lawmakers conducting the oversight review say they are focused on peeling back layers of financial and personal relationships to establish the record for the public and to assess whether any failures by institutions or individuals enabled Epstein’s crimes. Wexner’s testimony is likely to be scrutinized alongside document releases and other witness statements as the investigation proceeds.
