Billionaire Les Wexner tells US lawmakers he was 'naive' and 'conned' by Epstein

les wexner told a House oversight committee he was "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein, saying he had been "conned" and denying any participation in Epstein's crimes in a closed-door deposition on Wednesday.

Les Wexner speaks in closed-door session in Ohio

The former chief executive of Victoria's Secret gave an opening statement at the start of a deposition called by the House of Representatives Oversight Committee, which traveled to his home state of Ohio for the testimony. The 88-year-old said his relationship with Epstein was limited and that he has "done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide. " He also said he had visited Epstein's private island for "a few hours" with his family.

Democrats pressed questions after testimony

Only Democratic lawmakers attended the closed-door deposition; no Republican lawmakers travelled for it, though some Republican staff members were present. Democrats addressed reporters after the session, and Representative Robert Garcia of California said there would have been no Epstein island, plane or the money to traffic women and girls without the support of Les Wexner.

Allegations, denials and a 2019 FBI mention

Wexner has been described as a potential co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI document, but no charges were ever brought against him. In his statement to the committee he accused Epstein of stealing "vast sums" of money from his family while Epstein served as his financial adviser, and a spokesperson for the 88-year-old said Wexner "honestly answered every question" put to him and "reiterated that he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein's illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently. "

Wexner said he was "pleased to testify" and wanted "to set the record straight. " The deposition was held as part of the committee's probe into Jeffrey Epstein following the release of thousands of documents related to the financier's wrongdoing.

The deposition is part of the committee's ongoing review following the document releases; lawmakers have publicly discussed the role Wexner played in Epstein's financial rise and have questioned the scope of Epstein's access to Wexner's resources. les wexner reiterated his denial of involvement during the session and emphasized that he was misled by Epstein.

The committee's probe remains active following this testimony, and lawmakers have continued to examine materials from the released documents as they pursue further interviews and depositions tied to the investigation.