Les Wexner Claims Epstein Was a ‘World-Class Con Man’ and He Had No Role in His Crimes

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

In testimony before House Democrats on Wednesday, billionaire retail executive Les Wexner stated he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal conduct and was deceived by the disgraced financier. The 88-year-old founder of L Brands described Epstein as living a “double life” and admitted to being “naive, foolish, and gullible” in placing trust in him.

Wexner, who employed Epstein as his financial manager from the 1990s through the early 2000s, asserted he was “never a participant nor co-conspirator in any of Epstein’s illegal activities.” He emphasized that while he was conned, he had done nothing wrong and possessed no wrongdoing to conceal.

“This was a world-class con man,” Wexner stated in his deposition submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Democrats subpoenaed Wexner following the Justice Department’s release of additional Epstein-related documents illuminating their financial relationship.

Several Democratic lawmakers traveled to Wexner’s estate in New Albany, Ohio, for the deposition and expressed skepticism about his claims. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., declared: “There is no single person that was more involved with providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.” He accused Wexner of attempting to “downplay” the closeness of their relationship.

Rep. Dave Min, D-Calif., also raised doubts, stating: “Everyone around Jeffrey Epstein knew exactly what he was up to. To spend that much time, to give that much trust to Jeffrey Epstein, and then to say, ‘I don’t remember seeing any young girls’ … it really is not possible.”

Wexner said their relationship ended in 2007 after discovering Epstein had stolen from him. He revoked Epstein’s power of attorney months before Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Wexner denied traveling on Epstein’s private jet and rejected claims he provided Epstein with a Manhattan townhouse, stating: “Epstein purchased it from me for what I was told was the appraised value.” He added he had never returned to the property.

Wexner acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island once but said it lasted only “a few hours” during a family cruise. House Republicans did not attend Wednesday’s deposition, with Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., unable to participate due to scheduled oral surgery.

Wexner, who has not been charged with any crime, described himself as a devoted husband of 33 years and stated he has “never” been unfaithful “in any way, shape, or form.” The Wexner Foundation added: “We hold in our hearts the survivors of Epstein’s horrific crimes, and pray for their healing and strength.”