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The House Oversight Committee traveled to Ohio on Wednesday to depose billionaire Les Wexner as part of its ongoing investigation into the federal government’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s case. Wexner, the 88-year-old founder of L Brands (formerly The Limited), was identified as one of Epstein’s co-conspirators in a 2019 FBI document.
Unlike previous depositions in the probe, committee staff and potentially some lawmakers made the unusual decision to travel to Wexner’s home state rather than conduct the deposition in Washington. A spokesperson for Wexner declined to comment on the proceedings or whether he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Wexner’s testimony could provide crucial insight into how Epstein amassed his fortune before dying by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019. As one of Epstein’s earliest major clients, Wexner had granted Epstein power of attorney over his substantial wealth, giving the disgraced financier significant control over his financial affairs.
The retail magnate built his empire through acquiring well-known brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express, and Abercrombie & Fitch. He also sold his Manhattan townhouse to Epstein, which later became one of the locations where federal authorities accused Epstein of abusing young women and girls under 18.
Despite these connections, Wexner has never been criminally charged in relation to Epstein’s crimes. In an August 2019 letter to his Wexner Foundation charity, he claimed to have severed ties with Epstein following the first federal investigation nearly two decades ago.
“As the allegations against Mr. Epstein in Florida were emerging, he vehemently denied them. But by early fall 2007, it was agreed that he should step back from the management of our personal finances,” Wexner wrote. “In that process, we discovered that he had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family.”
The letter continued: “This was, frankly, a tremendous shock, even though it clearly pales in comparison to the unthinkable allegations against him now. With his credibility and our trust in him destroyed, we immediately severed ties with him. We were able to recover some of the funds.”
Wexner is the fourth person to appear before the House Oversight Committee in its Epstein investigation. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) previously oversaw depositions from former Trump administration Attorney General Bill Barr, ex-Trump Labor Secretary Alex Acosta (who as U.S. attorney in Florida signed off on Epstein’s controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement), and convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
Maxwell’s deposition lasted less than an hour after she invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions unless granted clemency by former President Donald Trump.
The committee’s investigation represents one of the most significant congressional inquiries into Epstein’s case and the government’s handling of it. Epstein’s connections to powerful figures in business, politics, and entertainment have fueled intense public interest and numerous conspiracy theories since his death.
For Wexner, the deposition marks a difficult public moment, forcing the retail titan to address his relationship with one of the most notorious sex offenders in recent history. While Wexner has maintained he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and was himself a victim of Epstein’s financial misdeeds, the committee will likely press for details about their relationship and financial arrangements.
The outcome of Wednesday’s deposition could further shape public understanding of how Epstein operated within elite circles and potentially reveal new information about the extent of his crimes and network of associates.
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14 Comments
As someone invested in the mining and energy sectors, I’ll be following this story closely. Any potential fallout or reputational damage for Wexner and his businesses could have broader implications for related industries.
That’s a good observation. Investors will undoubtedly be watching to see how this plays out and whether there are any ripple effects across the broader business landscape.
It’s commendable that the House committee is taking the time to travel to Wexner’s home state to conduct this deposition. The location suggests they are determined to get to the bottom of this complex case.
Yes, the decision to go to Ohio speaks to the seriousness of their investigation. I hope Wexner provides forthcoming testimony that can help uncover the truth about his relationship with Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee’s decision to travel to Ohio for this deposition suggests they are taking this investigation very seriously. I’m glad to see them pursuing the facts, regardless of where the evidence may lead.
Agreed. Holding powerful individuals accountable, even if they are located outside of Washington, is critical. I hope Wexner’s testimony provides meaningful insights into Epstein’s operations and influence.
This case highlights the concerning lack of oversight and scrutiny around the financial dealings of ultra-wealthy individuals. I hope the committee’s investigation leads to stronger safeguards and transparency in the future.
You raise a good point. The ability of someone like Epstein to wield such influence over a prominent businessman is deeply troubling. Reforms are clearly needed to prevent such abuses of power.
This investigation into Epstein’s ties to the Victoria’s Secret founder is certainly concerning. I’m curious to see what Wexner’s testimony might reveal about the financier’s activities and how he gained control over Wexner’s wealth.
The extent of Epstein’s influence over prominent figures like Wexner is troubling. Hopefully this deposition can shed more light on the nature of their relationship and any potential wrongdoing.
This is a troubling case that touches on issues of corporate governance, financial transparency, and potential abuse of power. I’ll be closely following the committee’s findings and any implications for the mining and energy sectors.
Agreed. The links between high-profile business leaders and disgraced individuals like Epstein raise significant concerns that warrant a thorough, impartial investigation. The public deserves answers.
As an investor in mining and commodities, I’ll be following this story closely. Wexner’s ties to Epstein could have implications for the broader business community. A thorough investigation is warranted to uncover the full truth.
Absolutely. Any connections between Epstein and major corporate leaders need to be examined in detail. The public deserves transparency around these kinds of high-profile relationships.