Who Is Les Wexner? Billionaire Retail Tycoon Says Jeffrey Epstein ‘Duped’ Him

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 05:30 IST

Les Wexner said he cut ties in 2007 with the disgraced financier after discovering Jeffrey Epstein had stolen from him.

Billionaire retail tycoon Les Wexner told US lawmakers that he was “naive, foolish, and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein, describing the disgraced financier as a “con man" who deceived him for years and insisting he “did nothing wrong." In testimony submitted to the House Oversight Committee, Les Wexner said he was manipulated by Epstein, who once controlled vast portions of his finances.

“He was a con man," Les Wexner wrote, adding, “And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide."

The 88-year-old denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or involvement in abuse of girls and young women after US lawmakers subpoenaed Les Wexner following newly released Justice Department records that mentioned him more than 1,000 times. Les Wexner said he wanted to “set the record straight" and push back against what he called “hurtful rumor, innuendo and speculation."

He has never been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.

Who Is Les Wexner?

For decades, Les Wexner was one of the most powerful figures in American retail, credited with building a mall empire that reshaped how millions of people shop. Born in Ohio in 1937, he founded The Limited in 1963 and turned it into L Brands, a global retail powerhouse. The company owned major brands including Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, helping transform them into cultural icons.

Victoria’s Secret, in particular, became a defining force in fashion and marketing, turning lingerie into a global commercial spectacle. At his peak, Les Wexner was the richest person in Ohio and widely regarded as a visionary businessman who mastered branding and consumer trends. He stepped down as CEO of L Brands in 2020.

He has also been known as a major philanthropist and longtime power broker in Ohio business and civic life, including serving as a trustee of Ohio State University.

What Was Les Wexner’s Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein?

Les Wexner first met Epstein around 1986, when his retail empire was expanding rapidly. Within a few years, Les Wexner granted Epstein extraordinary authority, including power of attorney in 1991, allowing him to manage investments, execute deals and buy property on his behalf. At the time, Les Wexner publicly praised Epstein. In a 2003 interview with Vanity Fair, he described him as a loyal friend with “excellent judgment."

The relationship later collapsed. Les Wexner said he cut ties in 2007 after discovering Epstein had stolen from him. His attorneys told investigators that Epstein repaid $100 million, believed to be only part of the money involved. Still, Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre alleged in court filings that she was trafficked to Les Wexner. He has denied the claim and said he never met her.

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