‘Epstein was bachelor so I drew pair of b**bs’: Les Wexner confronted over controversial b-day Card

Key Concepts

• Jeffrey Epstein: A convicted sex offender and financier. The deposition centers around Leslie Wexner’s relationship with him.
• Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein’s associate and accomplice, also convicted of sex crimes.
• Victoria’s Secret: A lingerie company formerly owned by L Brands (Wexner’s corporation). The deposition explores Epstein’s alleged connection to the brand and its talent scouting.
• L Brands: The parent company of Victoria’s Secret, led by Leslie Wexner.
• Talent Scouting: Epstein’s claimed role related to Victoria’s Secret, which Wexner downplays.
• Deposition: A legal process where a witness is questioned under oath.

Leslie Wexner Deposition Regarding Jeffrey Epstein: A Detailed Summary

This document summarizes a deposition of Leslie Wexner, former CEO of L Brands (parent company of Victoria’s Secret), concerning his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and Epstein’s alleged connections to Victoria’s Secret. The deposition focuses on Wexner’s recollections of interactions, letters, events, and awareness of Epstein’s activities.

I. Initial Correspondence & Relationship Definition

The deposition begins with the presentation of a birthday letter written by Wexner to Epstein for his 50th birthday in January 2003. The letter reads, “I wanted to get you what you want. So, here it is. Happy birthday, your friend Leslie.” Wexner admits to writing the letter, despite repeatedly stating throughout the deposition that he did not consider Epstein a friend. He attributes the salutation “Your friend Leslie” to an attempt at humor, explaining he often writes “less” instead of “Leslie” and it was a flippant gesture. He states he “can’t explain why [he] would say you’re friend because we weren’t friends.” He denies any direct discussion with Maxwell or Epstein regarding the letter. He clarifies that sending such a letter was not common practice for business associates.

II. Victoria’s Secret & Epstein’s Alleged Affiliation

The questioning shifts to Epstein’s alleged connection to Victoria’s Secret. Wexner confirms Victoria’s Secret was the “biggest, best lingerie brand in the world,” comparable to Nike in the running shoe market. He details the company’s marketing strategies, including print advertising, TV ads, store design, and the annual fashion show.

Wexner acknowledges being aware, on only one occasion, that Epstein was presenting himself as affiliated with Victoria’s Secret. He states Epstein claimed to be a “talent scout looking for models.” However, Wexner denies ever perceiving any “odd interest” from Epstein regarding Victoria’s Secret, nor did Epstein ever discuss the models with him or request attendance at the fashion shows.

When asked how Epstein might have attended Victoria’s Secret events without an invitation from Wexner, he suggests Epstein could have contacted someone within the company to request a ticket. He emphasizes the company’s careful control over event attendance, noting that approximately two-thirds of the audience at the fashion show were employees and store managers, and that internal attendance was the primary concern.

III. Knowledge of Epstein’s Contacts & Potential Misconduct

The questioning explores whether Wexner was aware of Epstein having other contacts within Victoria’s Secret, specifically executives. Wexner responds, “I’m sure he knew people or would reach out to people in the business, but I don’t know.” He denies ever informing Victoria’s Secret executives that he would prevent Epstein from attending fashion shows or interacting with models. He also denies any knowledge of Epstein bringing women to Victoria’s Secret for potential modeling opportunities.

Wexner states he never took recommendations from Epstein or Maxwell regarding hiring young women for his companies. He also denies Epstein ever suggesting he could find models for Victoria’s Secret. He claims he would have “fired him” had he believed Epstein was falsely representing himself as a Victoria’s Secret scout.

IV. Photographic Evidence & Event Attendance

The deposition presents a photograph featuring Wexner, Epstein, and a redacted individual (later identified as Wexner’s wife). The photo was taken in Bremen during the launch of a boat. Wexner identifies Peter Lerson as the man in the background. He recalls having two or three children at the time of the photo. He states he recalls inviting Epstein to the boat launch event, but cannot definitively recall who extended the invitation.

V. Further Examination of the Birthday Letter & Wexner’s Recollection

The deposition returns to the birthday letter, pressing Wexner on his understanding of what Epstein “wanted” when he wrote, “I wanted to get you what you want.” Wexner explains that Epstein “was a bachelor, so he drew a pair of boobs” as a joke. This statement is followed by further questioning regarding the incongruity between claiming Epstein wasn’t a friend and addressing him as such in the letter. Wexner reiterates his inability to explain the discrepancy, stating he normally writes “less” instead of “Leslie.”

Key Arguments & Perspectives

The central argument presented by the questioning attorney is the apparent contradiction in Wexner’s statements regarding his relationship with Epstein. Despite repeatedly claiming Epstein was not a friend, Wexner authored a birthday letter addressing him as such. The attorney attempts to establish a closer relationship between Wexner and Epstein than Wexner admits, and to explore the extent of Epstein’s access to Victoria’s Secret.

Wexner’s perspective is one of minimizing his connection to Epstein and distancing himself from any potential wrongdoing. He portrays his interactions with Epstein as infrequent and largely professional, downplaying the significance of the birthday letter and denying knowledge of Epstein’s alleged misconduct.

Technical Terms

• Deposition: A pre-trial discovery procedure where a witness is examined under oath.
• Exhibit: A document or object presented as evidence during a legal proceeding.
• Talent Scout: An individual responsible for discovering and recruiting new talent (in this case, models).

Synthesis/Conclusion

This deposition reveals a complex and potentially problematic relationship between Leslie Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein. While Wexner attempts to distance himself from Epstein and minimize his involvement with Victoria’s Secret, the evidence presented – particularly the birthday letter and the photograph – suggests a closer connection than he acknowledges. The deposition highlights the challenges of establishing the full extent of Epstein’s access to and influence within Victoria’s Secret, and raises questions about Wexner’s awareness of Epstein’s activities. The inconsistencies in Wexner’s testimony regarding the nature of his relationship with Epstein are a key point of contention.