Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, is set to be deposed behind closed doors in Ohio on Wednesday as part of a congressional investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The 88-year-old retail magnate has agreed to cooperate with a subpoena issued by Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, according to his spokesperson.
Wexner's long-standing friendship with Epstein has drawn scrutiny, particularly after Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein victim, claimed in court documents that Wexner was one of the men Epstein trafficked her to. Wexner has consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's crimes and has stated he never met Giuffre. He has never been accused of wrongdoing.
The newly released Justice Department documents show Wexner's name appears more than 1,000 times, which his spokesperson said is unsurprising given their decades-long relationship. The documents reveal that Epstein had power of attorney over Wexner's finances from 1991 and that the two had a close business partnership. However, the relationship ended bitterly after Wexner discovered Epstein had been stealing from him.
In one document, Epstein wrote notes to himself stating, “never ever, did anything without informing les” and “I would never give him up.” Another draft letter suggested the two had “gang stuff” for over 15 years. Wexner's spokesperson said the draft was never sent and appears to be part of Epstein's pattern of “untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements.”
Wexner has said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007, but the DOJ documents show they were in contact as late as 2008, when Wexner emailed Epstein after his plea deal for soliciting a minor. Wexner wrote, “All I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule…always be careful.” Epstein replied, “no excuse.”
The deposition is expected to focus on the new revelations from the Epstein files and Wexner's relationship with the disgraced financier.
