'I'm SUPER STRAIGHT!': Les Wexner pressed on FBI claims about Epstein at heated House deposition

Testimony of Les Wexner Regarding Jeffrey Epstein & Related Matters

Key Concepts:

• Jeffrey Epstein: Financier convicted of sex trafficking offenses, with alleged connections to prominent individuals.
• Les Wexner: Founder and former CEO of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works), central figure in the investigation due to his long-standing relationship with Epstein.
• DOJ Release: Recent release of documents by the Department of Justice related to the Epstein case.
• FBI Investigation: The FBI’s investigation into Epstein and his associates, including a PowerPoint presentation summarizing their findings.
• Redactions: The practice of removing information from documents, potentially at the request of individuals concerned about exposure.
• Hearsay Rule: A legal principle excluding secondhand testimony as evidence.
• Wexner Foundation: A philanthropic organization founded by Les Wexner.
• Ehud Barak: Former Prime Minister of Israel.

I. Allegations Regarding Epstein & Wexner’s Relationship

The core of the questioning centers around allegations that Jeffrey Epstein leveraged a sexual relationship with Les Wexner to accumulate wealth. Wexner vehemently denies these claims, stating, “Absolutely not. Or any man ever. I’m very straight. Super straight.” This denial is repeated in the context of an FBI report (slide ending in 956) which explicitly states, “Epstein earned his money from having homosexual sex with Wexner,” with the name of the source redacted. Wexner expresses surprise and disbelief at the content of the report, calling it “wacky.”

II. Examination of Epstein’s Email & Confidences

A draft email purportedly from Epstein to Wexner is presented. Wexner claims he never received this email and dismisses it as “cover your ass kind of thing,” suggesting it doesn’t reflect Epstein’s typical communication style. The email contains several cryptic statements:

• “I owe a great debt to you as frankly you owe to me.” Wexner denies any understanding of this sentiment.
• References to disputes involving Wexner’s family and associates (mother, sister, Sharon, Jack Kesler, Stanley Schwarz & son). Wexner acknowledges knowing these individuals but denies ever asking Epstein to intervene in any disputes with them.
• Claims about Abigail Wexner (Wexner’s wife) and “unfair, aggressive, and false accusations.” Wexner dismisses this as “nonsense,” asserting he and his wife have no secrets. Epstein’s email suggests a confidential aspect to his relationship with Wexner that was unknown to Abigail.
• A statement about Epstein’s unwavering loyalty: “I always told you I would never under any circumstances give it up or put you in harm’s way.” Wexner labels this as “cover psycho babble.”

The questioning highlights the potential for the email to reveal confidential information between Wexner and Epstein, information Wexner’s wife was allegedly unaware of. Objections are raised regarding hearsay.

III. Political Donations & Lobbying – Senator John Husted

The questioning shifts to Wexner’s political contributions, specifically a reported $17,000 donation to US Senator John Husted (corrected to John Houston). Wexner acknowledges contributing to Houston’s campaigns, including his run for lieutenant governor and senatorial campaign, but cannot confirm the exact amount. He denies making the donation shortly before Houston’s vote against releasing the Epstein files and denies any lobbying efforts to prevent the release of Epstein-related materials or to request redactions of his name from DOJ files.

IV. Relationship with Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak & Wexner Foundation Donations

Wexner is questioned about his relationship with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. He admits to a few brief meetings, including one before Barak’s swearing-in and a dinner with Barak, his wife, and daughter Abigail in New York after Barak left office. He denies regular communication via phone, email, or other means.

Crucially, Wexner expresses “shock” upon learning of an FBI report stating the Wexner Foundation transferred at least $2.3 million to Barak. He states he was unaware of this transfer.

V. FBI Investigation Summary & Prominent Names

The FBI’s PowerPoint presentation summarizing their investigation is discussed. The slide mentioning “prominent names” includes Wexner, with the redacted name below him stating the allegation about Epstein earning money through a sexual relationship with Wexner. Wexner reiterates his denial in this context.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The testimony reveals a concerted effort to probe the nature of Les Wexner’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, focusing on allegations of a sexual relationship and potential financial benefits derived from it. Wexner consistently denies these allegations, dismissing incriminating evidence as “nonsense” or “cover your ass” tactics. The questioning also explores potential attempts to influence the release of Epstein-related documents and uncovers surprising information regarding substantial financial transfers from the Wexner Foundation to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, of which Wexner claims to have been unaware. The testimony highlights the complexities of the Epstein case and the ongoing investigation into the network of individuals connected to him. The repeated denials, coupled with the presented evidence, suggest a continued effort to uncover the full extent of the relationship between Wexner and Epstein.