Wexner Says He Was ‘Duped’ by Adviser Jeffrey Epstein
Les Wexner told the House Oversight Committee he was “duped” by Jeffrey Epstein after the Justice Department released roughly three million records tied to the Epstein probe.
Overview
Les Wexner told the House Oversight Committee in a written statement and closed-door deposition in Ohio that he was “duped” by Jeffrey Epstein and denied knowing about or participating in Epstein’s crimes, his statement said.
Wexner’s deposition followed the Justice Department’s release of roughly three million records to Congress and a congressional subpoena that Democrats say prompted renewed scrutiny of his decades-long financial relationship with Epstein.
Rep. Robert Garcia said he was skeptical of Wexner’s claims and said investigators have identified substantial transfers to Epstein, while survivors such as Maria Farmer cited newly released documents in pressing their accounts.
Records and congressional investigators show Wexner’s name appears more than 1,000 times in Epstein files and indicate transfers and support ranging from a reported $100 million repayment to figures investigators described as more than $1 billion, officials said.
Legal fights are ongoing, with congressional subpoenas, a court order allowing Wexner to be compelled to testify in an Ohio State alumni lawsuit, and survivors seeking removal of his name from university and medical facilities, officials and survivors said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources apply a cautious, skeptical frame: they foreground official records and Democratic lawmakers’ skepticism (references to DOJ/FBI notes, Giuffre allegation) and emphasize unresolved questions, while still presenting Wexner’s prepared denials and legal statements. Language choices (e.g., "under fire," "duped") and selective emphasis on documents nudge readers toward doubt.
Sources (14)
FAQ
Congressional investigators have identified substantial financial transfers to Epstein, with Wexner's name appearing more than 1,000 times in Epstein files. Records indicate transfers and support ranging from a reported $100 million repayment to figures investigators described as more than $1 billion.[3] Additionally, a docuseries revealed that Wexner was made aware in 1993 that Epstein was posing as a Victoria's Secret recruiter to lure young women, and when confronted, Wexner reportedly said he would 'put a stop to it,' though Epstein continued the practice.[2]
Wexner claims he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after discovering that Epstein had stolen approximately $46-47 million dollars from him, which coincided with the initiation of a federal investigation into Epstein's sexual crimes.[2][3] In an official statement, Wexner wrote that he 'regretted that my path ever crossed' Epstein's, claiming he had searched his soul and cut ties with him 12 years prior to his 2019 arrest.[1]
In July 1991, Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney over his personal fortune, granting Epstein 'wide latitude' to act on behalf of one of the world's richest men.[3] Epstein's signature appeared on real estate documents, tax filings, and corporate records for Wexner's personal holdings throughout the following decade, and experts have suggested Epstein likely converted some of Wexner's assets into his own uses during this period.[3]
Multiple legal proceedings are ongoing, including congressional subpoenas, a court order allowing Wexner to be compelled to testify in an Ohio State alumni lawsuit, and civil actions by survivors seeking removal of his name from university and medical facilities.[1][2] Survivors such as Maria Farmer, who alleged she was sexually assaulted on Wexner's Ohio estate in 1996, have cited newly released documents in pressing their accounts against both men.[2]
According to a docuseries investigation, a female Victoria's Secret executive informed Cindy Fedus-Fields (who ran the catalog division) in 1993 that Epstein was posing as a company recruiter. When this executive confronted Wexner, he claimed he would 'put a stop to it.'[2] However, Epstein continued the practice; in 1997, he told model Alice Arden he was a recruiter and allegedly attempted to grope her in a Santa Monica hotel room.[2] Wexner has denied having knowledge of Epstein's crimes, and his attorney stated Wexner confronted Epstein, who denied the accusation.[2]
History
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