Fashion magnate Les Wexner told the House oversight committee on Wednesday that he was “conned” by Jeffrey Epstein and denied any wrongdoing related to the late disgraced financier.
Wexner was subpoenaed to testify before the oversight committee to answer questions about his ties to Epstein after his name appeared in files released by the Justice Department. The closed-door deposition took place in Washington, D.C., but Wexner read a prepared statement from his home in New Albany, Ohio.
“I was naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide,” Wexner said in his statement, according to FOX8 in Cleveland. “I completely and irrevocably cut ties with Epstein nearly 20 years ago when I learned that he was an abuser, a crook, and a liar.”
The congressional subpoena that called Wexner to testify came after his name appeared nearly 200 times in the unredacted Epstein files. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) have said Wexner’s name in the files is “likely” incriminating, but the businessman has not been charged with any crimes relating to Epstein.
Wexner is one of several Epstein associates subpoenaed by the House oversight committee in its continued investigation of the late financier’s crimes.
Wexner, the founder of LBrands, which owns clothing lines such as Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, said Epstein lived a “double life” and the side “full of unthinkable crimes” was unknown to him.
The retail mogul cited his marriage, which he said he has always remained faithful to, his children, and his grandchildren as reasons Epstein never revealed his “horrible behavior.” He even noted he visited Little Saint James, Epstein’s island, with his family and was still unaware of the crimes that had taken place there.
Wexner, 88, said he was introduced to Epstein in the 1980s when he was looking for a financial adviser. He explained that at the start of their relations, Epstein would provide financial advice without asking for compensation.
“He said he was assisting me as a favor. Little did I realize that, from the very start, Epstein was conniving to gain my trust,” Wexner said.
As LBrands grew, Wexner said Epstein had taken on the role of managing his personal finances, and he gave Epstein power of attorney to expedite transactions.
Wexner explained the fallout of his relationship with Epstein roughly 20 years ago. He said Epstein had told Wexner’s wife, Abigail, of legal troubles in Palm Beach. A year later, Epstein told Wexner’s wife that the legal debacle “could become messy” and he “might have to spend time away.”
DEMOCRATS TEST ‘EPSTEIN CLASS’ ATTACK LINE AGAINST TRUMP’S ORBIT
At that point, Wexner said, Epstein handed over all of the documents and information he had regarding the family’s personal finances.
“Due to the complexity of the information, it took time to unravel, but after reviewing the information, it became clear to Abigail that Epstein had stolen vast sums from our family,” Wexner said. “Once I learned of his abusive conduct and theft from my family, I never spoke with Epstein again. Never.”