Les Wexner Tells Congress He Was Naive and Conned by Jeffrey Epstein

American billionaire Les Wexner described himself as "naive, foolish and gullible" when testifying before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, admitting his trust in the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Wexner, formerly the CEO of Victoria's Secret and L Brands, stated that Epstein, who served as his financial advisor, misappropriated "vast sums" of money belonging to him and his family.

The prominent businessman unequivocally denied any awareness of Epstein's illicit dealings and asserted his complete non-involvement in the sex trafficker's crimes. "He was a conman," Wexner declared. "While I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. I am pleased to testify and to set the record straight."

Lawmakers questioned Wexner about whether he should have been aware of Epstein's illegal activities. Congressman Robert Garcia of California suggested, "Mr Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner. There would be no Epstein island, no Epstein plane, no money to traffic women and girls, without that support."

Wexner countered by highlighting that his association with Epstein was purely financial and that he severed ties after Epstein faced accusations of sexually abusing minors in Florida.

He confirmed visiting Epstein's private island in the Caribbean for a brief period with his family, but maintained he never witnessed any unlawful conduct there.

Wexner noted that his relationship with Epstein began in the 1980s and concluded decades later, once he discovered Epstein had misappropriated substantial amounts of money.

An FBI document from 2019 listed Wexner as a potential co-conspirator of Epstein, though no charges were ever filed against him. His legal team stated that authorities had consistently indicated Wexner was a source of information concerning Epstein, not a subject of investigation.

Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously acknowledged that Wexner's name appeared numerous times in files related to Epstein's case, adding that there was "limited evidence regarding his involvement."

The hearing, held in Wexner's home state of Ohio, was attended in person solely by Democratic lawmakers. While some Republican staff members were present, no Republican representatives actively participated.

A spokesperson for Wexner informed reporters that the billionaire had "honestly answered every question put to him today" and reiterated his denials of any complicity in Epstein's crimes.

This testimony comes after the release of thousands of previously sealed documents that detail Epstein's financial affairs and allegations of sexual abuse.

Members of the Oversight Committee have been investigating Wexner's role in allegedly enabling Epstein to amass wealth and operate his network of illegal activities.

Wexner's testimony addresses the complex intersection of financial dealings and complicity in serious criminal conduct.

Concluding his statement, Wexner stated, "I was naive, I trusted the wrong person, and I regret being deceived. But I have fully cooperated with authorities and remain committed to telling the truth."

Lawmakers acknowledged Wexner's claim of being misled but pointed out that his financial backing may have inadvertently facilitated Epstein's criminal enterprise, leaving unresolved questions regarding accountability for influential figures involved in such cases.