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U.S. billionaire Les Wexner, accused of playing a significant role in Jeffrey Epstein’s wealth accumulation, has stated he was “naive, foolish and gullible” for trusting the deceased sex offender.
In a statement delivered to U.S. lawmakers, the former CEO of Victoria’s Secret alleged that Epstein stole “vast sums” of money from his family while serving as his financial advisor.
Wexner testified before a congressional panel as part of its investigation into Epstein. Lawmakers have suggested Wexner’s involvement in Epstein’s crimes, allegations the retail magnate denies.
A 2019 FBI document identified him as a potential co-conspirator, though no charges were ever filed against him.
Wexner appeared before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee on Wednesday to address questions about his relationship with Epstein, following the release of thousands of documents related to the financier’s misconduct.
Members of the committee traveled to Wexner’s home state of Ohio to conduct the testimony.
A spokesperson for the 88-year-old tycoon told the BBC: “Mr. Wexner honestly answered every question put to him today by the Committee.”
“Mr. Wexner reiterated that he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein’s illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently.”
Only Democratic lawmakers attended the deposition. While Republican lawmakers did not travel to Ohio, some of their staff members were present.
“We should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there’d be no Epstein plane, there’d be no money to traffic women and girls,” Congressman Robert Garcia of California stated.
“Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner.”
In his opening statement, Wexner defended himself by saying his relationship with Epstein was limited and denied any knowledge of the convicted sex offender’s abuse.
“I was naive, foolish and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein,” he stated. “He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”
He said he was “pleased to testify” and wanted “to set the record straight.”
Wexner also admitted to visiting Epstein’s private island for “a few hours” with his family.
The pair’s relationship began in the 1980s, and Wexner claims he severed ties after Epstein faced accusations of sexually abusing children in Florida.
Wexner stated that he later discovered Epstein “had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family,” a claim he repeated in his opening remarks.
The retail magnate was identified as a potential co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI document. A separate email indicated there was “limited evidence regarding his involvement.”
Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche previously stated that Wexner’s name “appears in the files thousands of times.”
Wexner’s lawyers recently told the BBC: “The Assistant U.S. Attorney told Mr. Wexner’s legal counsel in 2019 that Mr. Wexner was being viewed as source of information about Epstein and was not a target in any respect.”
“Mr. Wexner co-operated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again.”
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