Les Wexner Denies Knowledge of Epstein's Crimes in Congressional Testimony
Published 18 February 2026
Highlights
- Les Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee, denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities.
- Wexner described himself as "naive" and "gullible," admitting Epstein misappropriated $46 million from him.
- Only Democratic lawmakers attended the deposition, with Republicans sending staff members.
- Wexner's ties to Epstein date back to the 1980s, but he claims to have severed them in 2007.
- Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, refused to answer questions in her recent deposition.
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Rewritten Article
Les Wexner Denies Knowledge of Epstein's Crimes in Congressional Testimony
Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret, appeared before the House Oversight Committee to address his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. In his testimony, Wexner maintained his innocence, asserting he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. "I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein," Wexner stated, emphasizing that he had "done nothing wrong" and had "nothing to hide."
Financial Ties and Misappropriation
Wexner, who hired Epstein in 1991 as a financial adviser, revealed that Epstein had misappropriated $46 million from his assets. Despite being identified in a 2019 FBI document as a potential co-conspirator, Wexner has not faced any charges. He insists he severed ties with Epstein in 2007, prior to Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to prostitution charges in Florida.
Congressional Hearing Dynamics
The hearing, held in Wexner's home state of Ohio, was attended exclusively by Democratic lawmakers, with Republican participation limited to staff members. Congressman Robert Garcia highlighted Wexner's significant financial support to Epstein, stating, "There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner."
Broader Investigation Context
Wexner is among several individuals subpoenaed in the ongoing investigation into Epstein's crimes. Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in trafficking minors for Epstein, recently invoked her right to remain silent during her deposition. The investigation continues to unravel the complex web of Epstein's financial and criminal networks.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network progresses, Les Wexner's testimony may prompt further scrutiny of his financial dealings with the disgraced financier. The House Oversight Committee's focus on Wexner underscores the broader effort to understand the extent of Epstein's influence and the complicity of his associates. Legal experts suggest that while Wexner has not been charged, the revelations could lead to increased regulatory oversight of financial advisors and their clients. The ongoing depositions, including those of Ghislaine Maxwell, may yield additional insights into the operations of Epstein's network, potentially implicating other high-profile individuals.
Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret, appeared before the House Oversight Committee to address his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. In his testimony, Wexner maintained his innocence, asserting he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. "I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein," Wexner stated, emphasizing that he had "done nothing wrong" and had "nothing to hide."
Financial Ties and Misappropriation
Wexner, who hired Epstein in 1991 as a financial adviser, revealed that Epstein had misappropriated $46 million from his assets. Despite being identified in a 2019 FBI document as a potential co-conspirator, Wexner has not faced any charges. He insists he severed ties with Epstein in 2007, prior to Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to prostitution charges in Florida.
Congressional Hearing Dynamics
The hearing, held in Wexner's home state of Ohio, was attended exclusively by Democratic lawmakers, with Republican participation limited to staff members. Congressman Robert Garcia highlighted Wexner's significant financial support to Epstein, stating, "There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner."
Broader Investigation Context
Wexner is among several individuals subpoenaed in the ongoing investigation into Epstein's crimes. Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in trafficking minors for Epstein, recently invoked her right to remain silent during her deposition. The investigation continues to unravel the complex web of Epstein's financial and criminal networks.
What this might mean
As the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network progresses, Les Wexner's testimony may prompt further scrutiny of his financial dealings with the disgraced financier. The House Oversight Committee's focus on Wexner underscores the broader effort to understand the extent of Epstein's influence and the complicity of his associates. Legal experts suggest that while Wexner has not been charged, the revelations could lead to increased regulatory oversight of financial advisors and their clients. The ongoing depositions, including those of Ghislaine Maxwell, may yield additional insights into the operations of Epstein's network, potentially implicating other high-profile individuals.
