Les Wexner went before the House Oversight Committee to set the record straight about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, stressing he was misled and not involved in Epstein’s crimes. He denied being a close friend or receiving personal favors, said he visited Epstein properties at Epstein’s invitation, and insisted he never saw the behavior others have described. Republicans watching the testimony framed it as a push for facts over spectacle while still demanding accountability where evidence exists.
Wexner told lawmakers he believes he was conned by Epstein, calling him an “Olympic-level con artist” and saying Epstein misrepresented himself and his dealings. He acknowledged Epstein played a role in some of his financial arrangements years ago, but Wexner insisted those interactions were business, not personal favors or exploitation. From a Republican perspective, that distinction matters when separating criminal conduct from business misjudgment.
During his deposition Wexner denied that Epstein ever presented women to him for sexual activity, and he said Ghislaine Maxwell did not introduce him to anyone in that way. He also rejected any suggestion Maxwell had a role in his business decisions or that he saw Epstein acting inappropriately around women in his presence. Those claims are central to his defense and are being weighed carefully by committee members.
Wexner told the Oversight panel that he did not consider Epstein a close friend and that their interactions were primarily professional. He said he received no personal favors, had no sexual relationship with Epstein, and did not witness Epstein facilitating encounters for other prominent people. Republicans noted the need to separate unproven allegations from verified facts while pursuing justice for victims.
He also said he had never been aware of any intelligence agency ties involving Epstein, a claim that undercuts some of the more sensational theories circulating in public debate. Wexner framed his account as limited to what he personally observed and knew, pushing back against speculation that extends beyond his direct experience. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed interest in documents that could corroborate or contradict those statements.
Wexner testified he visited Epstein’s Palm Beach home only once and did not recall seeing Donald Trump or other high-profile guests there during that visit. He admitted meeting President Trump at Victoria’s Secret fashion shows but maintained he had no social encounters that would have linked Trump personally to Epstein’s abusive conduct. Republicans have used that line to caution against guilt by association without concrete evidence.
The former L Brands CEO confirmed he went to Epstein’s island and the New Mexico ranch at Epstein’s request, but he said he did not see young women or anyone who appeared to be the victims later identified in lawsuits. He cited limited visibility into Epstein’s private life and insisted his own interactions were bounded and transactional. That testimony raises questions Republicans say the committee should follow with documentary evidence rather than innuendo.
Wexner recalled that Epstein may have mentioned Trump in conversation, but he did not discuss Trump with Epstein and would not describe Trump and Epstein as friends. He also said he never discussed Epstein with Trump, underscoring his portrayal of compartmentalized, business-first relationships. That claim is likely to be tested as investigators review phone records, travel logs, and other materials.
Wexner’s team reportedly submitted documents to the Oversight Committee ahead of his appearance, a development the committee will evaluate alongside the sworn testimony. Republicans on the panel emphasized the need for transparency and for any evidence that clarifies who knew what and when. The hearing underscores ongoing Republican priorities: fact-finding, protection of victims, and guarding against politicized accusations that lack proof.
