LIVE: House Democrats hold news conference amid closed-door deposition of billionaire Leslie Wexner

Key Concepts

• Jeffrey Epstein & Ghislaine Maxwell: Central figures in a sex trafficking ring.
• Les Wexner: Billionaire businessman, founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret), and key financial supporter of Jeffrey Epstein.
• Financial Support & Cover-Up: The core of the investigation focuses on the approximately $1 billion Wexner provided to Epstein and alleged attempts to obstruct the investigation by the Trump administration and Pam Bondi.
• Survivor Testimony: Emphasis on the importance of survivor accounts and their consistent direction to "follow the money."
• Obstruction of Justice: Allegations of a cover-up by the Department of Justice and the White House to protect wealthy individuals involved in the Epstein case.
• Credibility & Memory: Questioning of Wexner’s claims of limited knowledge and his relationship with Epstein.

Investigation into Les Wexner’s Involvement with Jeffrey Epstein: Deposition Update

This transcript details a press briefing following a deposition with Les Wexner regarding his financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and his potential involvement in Epstein’s crimes. The briefing highlights concerns about a potential cover-up and the lack of cooperation from the Department of Justice.

Financial Connections & Scale of Support

The central focus of the investigation is the substantial financial support Les Wexner provided to Jeffrey Epstein. Investigators have identified approximately over $1 billion transferred to Epstein through direct payments, stock provisions, and other means. This funding is considered crucial to Epstein’s ability to operate his criminal enterprise.

“There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner,” stated a representative, emphasizing this fact is already “in the public record.”

Despite the significant amount of money, Wexner claims to be unaware of the extent of the financial transactions. He has also reportedly begun to downplay his relationship with Epstein, even suggesting they were not close friends, a claim contradicted by reporting.

Wexner’s Admissions & Contradictions

During the deposition, Wexner admitted to traveling to Epstein’s island and other properties, and acknowledged that Epstein had access to his wealth. However, when questioned about specific details, such as Epstein’s role as co-president of a foundation connected to the current location of the deposition, Wexner offered limited responses.

Investigators noted a pattern of Wexner claiming a lack of memory regarding key details of his relationship with Epstein. This is viewed with skepticism, given the depth and duration of their association. “It may be a question as to whether Les Wexner was involved in the crimes directly, but there is no question in my mind given the evidence so far that Les Wexner knew about this and failed to stop it and gave Epstein license and the ability to commit these crimes,” stated Congressman Steve Lynch.

Survivor Testimony & Allegations of Abuse

The briefing repeatedly emphasized the importance of survivor testimony. Survivors have directly implicated Wexner and highlighted the need to “follow the money.” One survivor testified to being assaulted at Wexner’s estate and being prevented from leaving until security cleared her.

“The survivors have said over and over and over, follow the money,” a representative stated, underscoring the consistent message from victims.

Allegations of a Cover-Up & Lack of DOJ Action

A significant portion of the briefing focused on allegations of a cover-up orchestrated by the Trump administration and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Investigators claim that over 50% of the Epstein files remain unreleased to the public and Congress.

“Donald Trump and Pam Bondi are leading a White House cover up to protect billionaire wealthy benefactors, whether it's Mr. for Wexner or whether it's anybody else,” a representative asserted.

The Department of Justice is accused of inaction and obstruction, with Bondi specifically criticized for refusing to engage with survivors. The investigators are positioning themselves as filling the void left by the DOJ’s perceived lack of commitment to the investigation.

Credibility Concerns & Potential Co-Conspiracy

Investigators expressed concerns about Wexner’s credibility, noting his claims of limited memory despite a long-standing relationship with Epstein. They highlighted the fact that Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney and allowed him access to his homes, yachts, and planes.

“He’s not pleading the fifth. I think that he's answering some questions. He's saying that he doesn't remember and other questions…see no evil, hear no evil,” one investigator commented.

The possibility of Wexner being a co-conspirator is being actively investigated. The investigators are pursuing financial records and questioning individuals who have done business with Wexner, including a gynecologist at Ohio State University who allegedly received payments through Epstein.

Victoria’s Secret Connection & Trafficking Patterns

The briefing also touched upon a potential connection between Epstein’s activities and Victoria’s Secret. Reports suggest Epstein presented himself as being involved in Victoria’s Secret operations, potentially leveraging the brand’s reputation to facilitate trafficking.

Investigators noted a recurring pattern of young women being lured with the promise of modeling opportunities, only to become victims of abuse and trafficking. “There were always young girls seemingly looking for an opportunity to model and there were always rich and powerful people on the other side dangling a carrot saying I will give you the life that you're seeking,” one representative explained. Donald Trump’s attendance at Victoria’s Secret runway shows was also noted as a point of interest.

Next Steps & Commitment to Justice

The investigators emphasized their commitment to uncovering the truth and holding all those involved accountable. They plan to continue questioning Wexner, subpoena financial records, and investigate potential connections to other sex trafficking and child abuse scandals.

“We will not rest until that happens,” a representative stated. They also called on the community to demand answers from Wexner and question his involvement in funding Epstein’s crimes.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The deposition of Les Wexner is a critical step in the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the network of individuals who enabled them. The briefing revealed a significant financial connection between Wexner and Epstein, raising serious questions about Wexner’s knowledge and potential complicity. Allegations of a cover-up by the Trump administration and the Department of Justice further complicate the investigation, but the investigators remain committed to pursuing the truth and seeking justice for the survivors. The focus remains on following the money and holding all those responsible accountable, regardless of their wealth or power.