Leslie Wexner, the architect of a retail empire that defined a generation, faced a grueling interrogation by Congress. The 88-year-old billionaire, founder of the L Brands empire – Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more – delivered a stark claim: he was profoundly deceived by his former financial advisor, Jeffrey Epstein. He insisted he was a victim of a “world-class con man,” and vehemently denied any knowledge of, or participation in, Epstein’s horrific crimes.
Wexner painted a picture of himself as a philanthropist, a community builder, and a devoted family man. He described a lifelong commitment to ethical conduct, a moral compass guiding his decisions. He stated his eagerness to “set the record straight,” to finally address the decades-long shadow cast by his association with Epstein. Their relationship, once seemingly unbreakable, fractured in 2007 when the Wexners discovered Epstein’s betrayal – a systematic theft from their family.
For years, Wexner has been forced to answer for his connection to Epstein, a relationship that spanned decades. He sought to dismantle what he called a web of “outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumor” that had plagued his reputation. Yet, skepticism lingered. Representative Robert Garcia, present at the interview, publicly questioned Wexner’s narrative, asserting that no one provided Epstein with the financial means to commit his crimes more than Wexner himself.
The accusations extended beyond financial support. Virginia Giuffre, a prominent survivor of Epstein’s abuse, alleged Wexner was among those to whom Epstein trafficked young women. Wexner responded with unwavering devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail, emphatically denying any infidelity. He declared any suggestion to the contrary “absolutely and entirely false.”
The sheer volume of Wexner’s name appearing in the Epstein files – over 1,000 times – fueled scrutiny, though it didn’t imply guilt. His spokesperson explained the frequency as a natural consequence of their extensive, long-term relationship. The story began in 1986, when Epstein first crossed paths with Wexner through a business contact, a pivotal moment for both men.
At the time, Wexner was rapidly transforming a single store, The Limited, into a retail juggernaut. Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, and Bath & Body Works would soon follow, becoming staples in malls across the country. Epstein, Wexner claimed, skillfully manipulated his way into a position of trust, eventually gaining control of the billionaire’s vast fortune.
In 1991, Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney, entrusting him with investments, business deals, and even the development of New Albany, Ohio, transforming it from a rural town into an affluent suburb. Wexner once described Epstein as possessing “excellent judgment” and being “always a most loyal friend.” But that loyalty, Wexner now insists, was a carefully constructed facade.
Wexner told lawmakers that he remained largely separate from Epstein’s social circle, yet he was privy to accounts of Epstein’s interactions with other powerful figures. Epstein, he explained, strategically leveraged his connections to cultivate an image of legitimacy. He admitted to visiting Epstein’s infamous island only once, a brief stop with his wife and children during a boating trip.
However, Representative Garcia challenged this account, emphasizing the depth of their connection. Newly released documents revealed a series of unsettling exchanges, including Epstein’s handwritten notes: “never ever, did anything without informing les” and “I would never give him up.” Another draft letter alluded to a “gang stuff” dynamic, a mutual benefit where Wexner helped Epstein amass wealth, and Epstein, in turn, enriched Wexner.
Wexner’s representatives dismissed the letter as a desperate attempt by Epstein to justify his crimes. Wexner maintained that Epstein led a “double life,” presenting himself as a financial guru while concealing his abuse of underage girls. He claimed Epstein understood he would never tolerate such behavior. The revelation that Epstein allegedly used his connection to Wexner to entice young women with promises of modeling work for Victoria’s Secret added another layer of complexity to the scandal.
Accusers recounted Epstein boasting of his close friendship with the Victoria’s Secret owner, suggesting opportunities within the brand. One woman reported Epstein groping her during a supposed modeling interview. Even after Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Wexner’s lawyers were alerted to rumors of Epstein falsely claiming affiliation with Victoria’s Secret. When confronted, Epstein denied the allegations.
Wexner lamented being deceived by “an abuser, a crook, and a liar.” L Brands ultimately sold Victoria’s Secret in 2020, marking a final chapter in Wexner’s leadership. The unraveling of their relationship wasn’t immediate. Even after the 2007 fallout, communication continued. In 2008, Wexner emailed Epstein following his plea deal in a Florida prostitution case, expressing sympathy and cautioning him to “always be careful.”
While Wexner initially stated the relationship ended in 2007, records show continued contact. He revoked Epstein’s financial power and removed his name from bank accounts, but the financial ties were deeply interwoven. Epstein reportedly repaid Wexner $100 million, though the total misappropriated remains undisclosed. Investigators estimate Wexner transferred over $1 billion to Epstein, a figure Wexner claims to be largely unaware of.
The fallout continues to reverberate. Survivors of abuse are now demanding Wexner’s name be removed from facilities at Ohio State University, citing his association with Epstein. Maria Farmer, a survivor, claims a newly released FBI report validates her early 1996 complaint against Epstein, filed while working on a project at the Wexners’ estate. The story is far from over, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the enduring pain of betrayal.
