Mogul Les Wexner Calls Himself 'Naive' as House Democrats Press Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Former retail mogul Les Wexner appeared for a deposition at his New Albany home on Wednesday (Eastern Time), telling lawmakers he was "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein while denying any participation in or knowledge of Epstein's crimes. Democrats who led the questioning said Wexner's explanations failed to address lingering questions about the financier's influence and the flow of money that helped build Epstein's wealth.
Democrats push for answers at New Albany deposition
Only Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee attended the private deposition in Ohio, where lawmakers pressed Wexner on the decades-long relationship that began in the 1980s and ultimately ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008. Committee members said they questioned Wexner with assistance from Republican staff, but no Republican representatives traveled to conduct their own questioning.
During breaks in questioning, lawmakers relayed skepticism about Wexner's portrayal of his ties to Epstein. One congressman noted that the magnitude of Wexner's local presence in Ohio underscored how powerful he once was, arguing that such influence makes the committee's review of financial ties and potential enabling behavior especially important. Democrats said the line of inquiry focuses on whether Wexner’s financial support or other assistance contributed to Epstein’s ability to traffic victims and evade scrutiny.
Wexner's denials, admissions and financial claims
In an opening statement read at the deposition, Wexner said he had been "conned" by Epstein and that he had nothing to hide. He maintained he cut ties when allegations surfaced in Florida and insisted he never witnessed nor had knowledge of Epstein's illegal conduct. Wexner also said he discovered later that Epstein had misappropriated "vast sums" of money from him and his family while acting as his financial adviser.
Committee members challenged the limits Wexner placed on the relationship, questioning how Epstein accumulated major assets and access while ostensibly serving in a subordinate advisory role. A 2019 FBI document previously characterized Wexner as a potential co-conspirator, an allegation that has not produced criminal charges. Wexner reiterated that he stands by his denials of involvement in Epstein's crimes and said he had been to Epstein's private island for only a few hours with his family.
Investigation to continue as Democrats voice doubt
Democrats left the deposition saying they remained unconvinced by Wexner's account and indicated the committee's inquiry would continue. Lawmakers cited survivor testimony and financial records that they say merit further scrutiny to determine whether Wexner's financial support enabled Epstein to expand his operations, including travel and property holdings that prosecutors say were used to exploit victims.
Wexner's appearance comes amid ongoing fallout from thousands of documents that have been released in connection with Epstein's prosecution and civil litigation. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The newly public materials have prompted renewed congressional interest in the network of relationships and monetary flows that surrounded him.
For his part, Wexner told the committee he was "pleased to testify" and wanted to set the record straight. He emphasized that he had been misled by a person he described as a conman and denied any direct role in criminal conduct. Still, Democrats signaled that unanswered questions about the scope of Epstein’s financial reach and Wexner’s role in enabling that reach will keep the investigation active.
Committee leaders said they will continue to review documents and testimony related to the case, and they did not rule out further depositions or subpoenas as the probe develops.
