Retail mogul Les Wexner says he was 'naive' and 'conned' by Epstein

Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of a major lingerie and apparel empire, told a congressional panel he was "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein and accused the late financier of stealing "vast sums" from his family. Wexner denied any involvement in Epstein's crimes as lawmakers pressed him on the depth of their relationship.

Wexner frames relationship as betrayal

Testifying before a congressional committee in Ohio on Wednesday, Wexner sought to draw a clear line between his business career and the criminal conduct uncovered in Epstein's files. "He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, " Wexner said in opening remarks, adding that he was "pleased to testify" and wanted to "set the record straight. "

Wexner described his ties to Epstein as having begun in the 1980s and said he severed the relationship after allegations surfaced that Epstein had sexually abused children in Florida. He told the panel he later learned Epstein had misappropriated large sums from him and his family and said he had visited Epstein's private island for only "a few hours" with family.

The retail magnate's name appears in investigative files and legal documents tied to Epstein's operations, and a 2019 law enforcement document identified Wexner as a potential co-conspirator. Wexner reiterated his denials of wrongdoing and stressed that while he had been deceived, he was not criminally involved.

Lawmakers press on alleged enabling and financial support

Democratic members of the oversight panel pressed Wexner on whether his support helped Epstein build the means to carry out sex trafficking and other crimes. One congressman argued that Epstein "would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner, " and said that without that backing there would have been no private island, no plane and no funds to traffic women and girls.

Only Democratic lawmakers attended the in-person deposition in Ohio; no Republican members traveled for the session, though some staff from that side of the aisle were present. Committee members highlighted thousands of references to Wexner in investigative files and questioned how much he knew about Epstein's behavior during the years they were associated.

Wexner pushed back on implications he knowingly aided criminal activity, saying he was unaware of Epstein's abuse and that he was the victim of financial misappropriation. He emphasized that he had cut ties once allegations emerged and maintained that he had cooperated with inquiries into Epstein's conduct.

Legal exposure and public fallout

While the 2019 law enforcement document named Wexner as a potential co-conspirator, no criminal charges were ever filed against him. Deputy federal officials have noted that Wexner's name appears frequently in case files, a fact lawmakers seized on during questioning to probe unexplained transactions and relationships tied to Epstein's network.

The hearing marks the latest chapter in a broader investigation that has examined how Epstein cultivated access, wealth and travel arrangements that facilitated his exploitation of victims. For Wexner, the testimony represents an effort to limit reputational damage, assert his lack of criminal culpability and outline the financial losses he says he suffered at Epstein's hands.

As the committee continues its review of documents and testimony, lawmakers signaled that further scrutiny of financial records, business arrangements and third-party interactions linked to Epstein remains likely. For victims and investigators, the hearing underscored lingering questions about who enabled Epstein and how his operations were funded and sustained.