Billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner has provided congressional investigators with a detailed account of his interactions with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a deposition before the House Oversight Committee, the 88-year-old founder of L Brands, the former parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, described how Epstein would frequently "name-drop" prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, to enhance his perceived influence.
Epstein's Name-Dropping Tactics Revealed
Wexner testified that Epstein engaged in what he characterized as habitual name-dropping, mentioning high-profile individuals like Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and even religious figures to create an aura of importance. "He would name-drop," Wexner stated, according to video footage of the deposition released by House Oversight Democrats. "Like I know President Clinton or I know the Pope or I know God or I know you. It was that kind of name-dropping. I can’t remember a specific instance, but Jeffrey dropped a lot of names."
Questioning the Trump-Epstein Relationship
When pressed by Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas about whether Epstein ever discussed Trump in detail, Wexner admitted he could not recall any specific conversations. Despite Epstein portraying Trump as a friend, Wexner expressed skepticism about the depth of their relationship. "Epstein held [Trump] out as a friend," Wexner testified, but he did not believe the two were genuinely close.
The billionaire also shared an anecdote about meeting Trump at Victoria's Secret fashion shows, which he found somewhat peculiar. "I would go to some of the Victoria's Secret Fashion shows... at some of the fashion shows, Jeffrey was there at some, Trump was there," Wexner told investigators. "And I remember because Trump would always introduce himself to me, and I always thought it was kind of odd that he was at the fashion show, because he had nothing to do with fashion."
Wexner's Relationship with Epstein
Wexner described a long-standing association with Epstein that ultimately soured. He claimed that Epstein "conned" him and that their relationship ended abruptly in 2007 after Wexner discovered Epstein had "stolen vast sums from our family." Throughout his testimony, Wexner vehemently denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities, which included sex trafficking and abuse of minors.
Political Reactions and Document Release
The deposition coincides with the release of over 3 million pages of documents by the House Oversight Committee and the Department of Justice, detailing Epstein's alleged crimes and personal correspondence. These files have sparked bipartisan criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein case.
Former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene recently accused Republicans of mishandling the Epstein files, warning that it could cost them significant support from female voters in upcoming elections. "If you had not called the Epstein files a hoax and treated the Epstein survivors like they didn’t exist and if you would release all the files and put your rich powerful friends in prison then Americans might actually listen to your 'messaging,'" Greene posted on social media platform X.
In response to the allegations, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended Trump, asserting that he has been "totally exonerated on anything related to Epstein" and highlighting his efforts to support Epstein's victims.
Skepticism from Democratic Lawmakers
Following the deposition, Democratic members of the committee expressed doubts about the credibility of Wexner's testimony. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari of Arizona noted, "He claims to want to provide information and to be helpful in the investigation, but then quickly follows up by saying that he does not recall details around a relationship with somebody that he had for decades."
Congressman Robert Garcia, the committee's top Democrat, also voiced skepticism, stating, "I do not believe when Mr. Wexner says that he did not have a personal relationship or a friendly relationship with Epstein."
Personal Denials and Broader Implications
Wexner further clarified that Epstein never shared any information with him regarding Trump's sexual activities. Additionally, the billionaire emphasized his personal integrity, claiming he has never been unfaithful to his wife of 33 years.
The ongoing investigation and document release continue to fuel political debates, with both parties scrutinizing the connections between powerful figures and Epstein's network. As the midterm elections approach, the handling of this case remains a contentious issue that could influence voter perceptions and political outcomes.
