Retail Billionaire Faces Skeptical Lawmakers in Epstein Probe
In a high-stakes congressional deposition, billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner denied having any firsthand knowledge of the criminal activities of his former financial manager, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door session before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday left Democratic lawmakers deeply skeptical of Wexner’s claims of ignorance.
A Longstanding Professional Relationship
Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands (parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works), employed Jeffrey Epstein as his personal financial manager throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Their relationship was not only professional but also deeply intertwined, with Epstein gaining unprecedented control over Wexner’s finances and even being entrusted with power of attorney.
During the deposition, Wexner characterized this relationship as one of profound deception. He stated to the panel that he was “conned” by Epstein, painting a picture of a trusted advisor who systematically betrayed that trust for his own criminal ends.
Lawmakers Express Doubt
Despite Wexner’s testimony, Democratic members of the committee emerged from the session with significant reservations. The central point of contention revolves around how someone with such intimate access to Wexner’s life and fortune could have hidden a sprawling sex trafficking operation without his employer’s knowledge.
The skepticism underscores the ongoing challenges investigators face in untangling the full network of Epstein’s associates and determining who may have been aware of, or complicit in, his crimes. For years, questions have lingered about the extent of Wexner’s knowledge, given the depth of their association and Epstein’s frequent use of properties and resources connected to the billionaire.
The Broader Congressional Investigation
This deposition is a key part of a wider congressional effort to investigate the Epstein case, particularly following the release of thousands of pages of court documents related to the financier and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Lawmakers are seeking to understand the mechanisms that allowed Epstein to operate with impunity for decades and to identify any failures in the justice system.
Wexner’s testimony represents a significant moment, as he is one of the most prominent figures linked to Epstein to be formally questioned by Congress. While he has denied wrongdoing in the past and condemned Epstein’s actions following his 2019 arrest, this direct interrogation under oath by lawmakers carries new legal and public relations weight.
The fallout from the deposition is likely to continue, as the committee reviews the full transcript and potentially calls further witnesses. For the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, each step in the investigative process is a move toward the accountability and transparency they have long sought.
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