American billionaire Leslie Wexner, the creator of the Victoria's Secret empire, testified before a House oversight committee. During a multi-hour deposition at his home in Ohio, the 88-year-old businessman argued that he was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein's manipulation. Wexner categorically denied any knowledge of the financier's criminal activities, calling him a 'world-class fraudster.' However, Democrats remain skeptical of the retail magnate's explanations, pointing to numerous memory gaps.

Denial of Complicity

88-year-old Leslie Wexner stated under oath that he did not know about the human trafficking conducted by Jeffrey Epstein and was himself deceived by him.

Congressional Skepticism

Members of the Oversight Committee from the Democratic Party deemed the testimony unreliable, pointing out the billionaire's numerous instances of hiding behind memory lapses.

Visit to Private Island

Wexner confirmed a one-time visit to Little St. James island, describing it as a brief family meeting without a criminal background.

Billionaire Leslie Wexner appeared before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about his long-term cooperation with Jeffrey Epstein. The deposition, which took place on February 18, 2026 at the businessman's residence in New Albany, concerned the mechanisms by which the convicted sex offender built his fortune and influence. Wexner admitted he was 'naive and stupid' for granting Epstein broad powers of attorney to manage his wealth. The magnate claims that Epstein stole enormous sums from his family's accounts and that he himself severed all contact nearly 20 years ago, as soon as he learned of his misconduct. During the testimony, it was revealed that Wexner visited Epstein's private island in the Caribbean, but he emphasized it was a short, few-hour visit with his wife and children. The cooperation between the two men began in the 1980s when Epstein became Wexner's sole close financial advisor, gaining access to billions in assets and prestigious properties. Despite Wexner's firm denials, Democrats on the committee, including Congressman Robert Garcia, expressed deep skepticism. Panel members accused the 88-year-old billionaire of giving evasive testimony lacking remorse. They pointed to Department of Justice materials listing Wexner as a potential co-conspirator, though no criminal charges have been filed against him to date. Tensions were heightened by an incident involving Wexner's lawyer, whose microphone recorded a threat against the investigators. Controversy stems from the fact that it was Wexner's money and influence that enabled Epstein to enter the upper echelons of the American elite, leading the committee to determinedly pursue a full explanation of the billionaire's degree of complicity in building the pedophile network. „I was deceived by a world-class fraudster. I was naive and stupid to place any trust in Jeffrey Epstein.” — Leslie Wexner 1 billion USD — amount Epstein was supposed to manage for Wexner [{"dataISO": "1980-01-01", "data": "1980s", "title": "Start of Cooperation", "description": "Epstein becomes Wexner's primary financial advisor."}, {"dataISO": "2007-01-01", "data": "2007", "title": "Severing Ties", "description": "Wexner officially ends cooperation after the first accusations against the financier."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-18", "data": "February 18, 2026", "title": "Congressional Testimony", "description": "The billionaire testifies about his role in building Epstein's power."}]

Mentioned People

  • Leslie Wexner — Billionaire, founder of L Brands, former owner of Victoria's Secret, questioned about ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Jeffrey Epstein — Deceased financier and convicted sex offender who managed Wexner's wealth.
  • Robert Garcia — Democratic congressman serving on the oversight committee, critic of the billionaire's testimony.