Everything We Know About Les Wexner In The Epstein Files
By Forbes
Les Wexner and the Epstein Files: A Detailed Overview
Key Concepts:
- Les Wexner: Ohio’s wealthiest man, founder of L. Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, etc.), and long-time associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
- Jeffrey Epstein: Disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.
- FBI Document/Co-conspirator: An FBI document identifying Wexner as a co-conspirator with Epstein in potential child sex trafficking offenses.
- Misappropriated Funds: An estimated $200 million or more allegedly taken from Wexner by Epstein over several years.
- DOJ Epstein Library: The collection of documents released by the Department of Justice related to the Epstein investigation.
I. Congressional Inquiry and Initial Findings
On February 18th, retail mogul Les Wexner was questioned by the US House Oversight Committee regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This deposition occurred in Ohio following pressure from Representatives Thomas Massie (Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (California) to de-redact Wexner’s name from an internal FBI document released in January. The FBI document listed Wexner alongside Leslie Gra, Delane Maxwell, Jeanluke Brunell, Karina Schulak, and four other redacted individuals as co-conspirators with Epstein, potentially linked to child sex trafficking and the investigation into Epstein’s death. Despite this designation, a US attorney informed Wexner’s counsel in 2019 that he was “neither a co-conspirator nor a target” after Wexner provided background information on Epstein, and he was never contacted again.
II. Financial Discrepancies and the 2019 Memorandum
An 86-page investigative memorandum from New York federal prosecutors (2019) details a meeting with Wexner’s attorneys where claims were made that Epstein had stolen or misappropriated “several hundred million” dollars from Wexner over the years. The memo also referenced other billionaires allegedly involved with underage girls, but did not implicate Wexner directly. A 2020 review by the Wexner Foundation confirmed Epstein’s involvement with the foundation. Wexner publicly acknowledged a “tremendous shock” regarding Epstein’s actions, stating, “This was frankly a tremendous shock, even though it clearly pales in comparison to the unthinkable allegations against him.” Wexner estimates at least $200 million was gradually siphoned from his personal finances by Epstein “with virtually no oversight.” Epstein returned $100 million to Wexner in January 2008, marking what Wexner claims was their last contact.
III. Continued Presence in Epstein Files and Undated Draft Letter
Despite Wexner’s claims of severing ties in 2008 and characterizing the relationship as “more professional than social,” his name appears over 1300 times in the DOJ’s Epstein library, in documents dating well after 2008. The New York Times reported on an undated draft letter purportedly from Wexner to Epstein stating, “I have never once, not once, done anything but protect your interests. I owe a great debt to you as frankly you owe to me. You and I had gang stuff for over 15 years.” Wexner’s spokesperson maintains this draft was never sent.
IV. Epstein’s Reliance on Wexner and Early Relationship
Epstein heavily relied on Wexner, as evidenced by a 2020 FBI transcript where Epstein’s former IT contractor stated, “Les Wexner was always number one speed dial on all of Epstein’s phones.” Wexner first met Epstein through a mutual friend in the 1980s, hiring him as a financial advisor. Over the next decade, Wexner elevated Epstein’s social and professional standing, ultimately granting him control over his personal finances. Wexner initially trusted Epstein based on “positive reports from several friends and on my initial dealings with him.”
V. Wexner’s Business Empire and Background
Prior to the Epstein scandal, Les Wexner built a significant retail empire, including brands like Victoria’s Secret, Express, Bath & Body Works, and The Limited. In 2008, Wexner was worth an estimated $1.7 billion, and currently has a net worth of $9 billion. He is considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country.
Logical Connections:
The video traces a chronological path, beginning with the recent Congressional inquiry and then delving into the historical relationship between Wexner and Epstein. It connects the FBI document and the 2019 memorandum to illustrate the extent of the investigation and the financial irregularities. The video then highlights the continued presence of Wexner’s name in the released files, demonstrating the enduring scrutiny of their association.
Data and Statistics:
- Wexner’s Net Worth: Currently $9 billion. Was $1.7 billion in 2008.
- Misappropriated Funds: Estimated at $200 million or more.
- Wexner’s Name in DOJ Files: Appears over 1300 times.
- Amount Returned by Epstein: $100 million in January 2008.
Conclusion:
The released Epstein files and subsequent investigations have resurfaced significant questions about Les Wexner’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. While Wexner has not been charged with any crimes, the evidence suggests a long-standing and financially intertwined connection that extended well beyond the claimed 2008 cutoff. The documents reveal allegations of misappropriated funds, a potentially protective tone towards Epstein, and his central role in Epstein’s network, raising concerns about the extent of Wexner’s knowledge and involvement in Epstein’s activities.
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