Billionaire Les Wexner to testify before Congress about ties to Epstein

Congressional scrutiny continues into the financial dealings and associations of the late Jeffrey Epstein, drawing in prominent figures from business and politics. Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria’s Secret, testified before the House oversight committee on Wednesday, asserting “I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide” regarding his past relationship with Epstein.

Wexner’s Testimony and Past Ties

Wexner’s statement, released by his team, described him as “naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein.” He claims to have severed ties with Epstein almost twenty years ago upon discovering Epstein was “an abuser, a crook, and a liar.” Wexner maintains he cut ties in 2007, prior to Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea on Florida state-level prostitution charges.

Did You Know? Les Wexner hired Jeffrey Epstein in 1991 to manage his money.

However, reports indicate a more complex financial relationship. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that Wexner played a key role in Epstein’s financial success, with Epstein reportedly earning $200 million from the arrangement. Wexner has also claimed Epstein “misappropriated” $46 million of his assets.

Broader Congressional Investigation

Wexner is one of several individuals subpoenaed by the House oversight committee as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein’s crimes. Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s trafficking scheme, invoked her right to remain silent during her recent deposition. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, stated she would be willing to speak “fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump.”

The committee also subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton. Former President Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s airplane in the early 2000s for humanitarian work, but stated he never visited Epstein’s private island.

Expert Insight: The breadth of subpoenas issued by the House oversight committee suggests a desire to comprehensively understand the network of individuals connected to Epstein and the extent of their knowledge regarding his criminal activities. The differing approaches to cooperation – Wexner’s testimony, Maxwell’s silence, and the Clintons’ limited disclosure – highlight the legal and reputational risks involved for those implicated.

The investigation is being conducted under the framework of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed in November. While the Justice Department has released a substantial 3.5 million pages of documents, transparency advocates believe millions more pages remain undisclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Les Wexner say about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

Les Wexner stated he was “naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein” and that he cut ties with Epstein nearly twenty years ago when he learned Epstein was “an abuser, a crook, and a liar.”

Who else has been subpoenaed in connection with the Epstein investigation?

Ghislaine Maxwell and Bill and Hillary Clinton have also been subpoenaed by the House oversight committee.

What is the status of the release of documents related to the Epstein investigation?

The Justice Department has released 3.5 million pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but advocates believe millions more pages remain undisclosed.

What further revelations might emerge as more documents are released and the congressional investigation progresses?

Billionaire Les Wexner to testify before Congress about ties to Epstein | Jeffrey Epstein