Les Wexner Tells Lawmakers He Was 'Naive' and 'Conned' by Epstein as Deposition Reveals Tensions and New Questions

Les Wexner told US lawmakers he was "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein during a closed-door deposition that has renewed scrutiny of their long association. The billionaire denied any knowledge of or participation in Epstein's illegal conduct, while other developments from the session and newly released files have intensified debate over his role in Epstein's wealth and operations.

Les Wexner's deposition: 'I was conned' and he denied wrongdoing

In an opening statement made public at the start of a House Oversight Committee deposition, Les Wexner described Epstein as a conman and said he had been conned, while denying any involvement in the convicted offender's abuses. He characterized his relationship with Epstein as limited and said he had nothing to hide. Wexner also said he had visited Epstein's private island for a few hours with his family.

Wexner has been described in prior documents as a potential co-conspirator, though no charges were brought. He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing during the session, and he answered every question put to him and reiterated he had no knowledge of illegal conduct and did not participate in it.

Tension in the room and mounting scrutiny

The deposition featured a tense private moment when one of Wexner's attorneys was caught on a hot mic telling him, "I will ******* kill you if you answer another question with more than five words, OK?" Only Democratic lawmakers attended the deposition in person; some Republican staff members were present but Republican lawmakers did not travel for the session. Democrats briefed reporters after the interview and voiced skepticism about Wexner's ties to Epstein.

Members of the committee travelled to Wexner's home state for the testimony. Lawmakers raised alarms about the breadth of authority Wexner had granted Epstein over his finances and the possible connection between that authority and Epstein's ability to amass wealth and facilitate criminal activity.

Files, allegations and the record Wexner sought to correct

Newly released files mention Wexner more than 1, 000 times, a volume that has prompted renewed questions even as it does not imply guilt. One widely known victim alleged she was trafficked to Wexner and others; Wexner denied any involvement in abuse and said his relationship with Epstein eventually ended bitterly after he discovered theft from his family.

Wexner submitted a written statement to the committee before the interview and framed himself in the statement as a philanthropist, community builder and grandfather seeking to correct what he described as hurtful rumor and innuendo. He emphasized his desire to set the record straight and reiterated that he considered Epstein a conman who had duped him.

• Wexner described himself as "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting Epstein.
• He has denied knowledge of or participation in Epstein's illegal conduct and said he has nothing to hide.
• Wexner's name appears more than 1, 000 times in released files; he has never been charged with a crime.
• Wexner said his relationship with Epstein ended after discovering theft from his family.
• A hot mic caught an attorney admonishing Wexner during the deposition, heightening attention on the exchange.

Recent updates show the matter remains contested: lawmakers pressing for answers and Wexner insisting he was duped. Details may evolve as the committee continues its probe and as the public and lawmakers digest the testimony and the documents at the center of this inquiry.