Victoria's Secret Billionaire Denies Epstein Ties Despite Evidence

Les Wexner claims he was "duped" by the deceased pedophile despite their long-standing relationship.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Les Wexner, the billionaire former owner of Victoria's Secret, testified before lawmakers that he was "naive, foolish, and gullible" to trust Jeffrey Epstein, despite their well-documented financial ties and Epstein's alleged use of Wexner's properties and resources. Wexner claimed he was unaware of Epstein's infamous crimes, even as evidence shows Epstein had significant control over Wexner's finances and personal affairs.

Why it matters

Wexner's close relationship with Epstein has come under renewed scrutiny, as the Department of Justice has faced criticism for redacting the identities of several wealthy and powerful men associated with the disgraced financier. This case highlights the ability of the wealthy and influential to potentially evade accountability for their connections to high-profile criminal cases.

The details

Wexner testified that he had never flown on Epstein's private jet, known as the "Lolita Express", and only briefly visited Epstein's private island. However, reports show that Epstein had significant control over Wexner's finances, including acquiring his Manhattan townhouse and private jet at steep discounts. Wexner also granted Epstein power of attorney in 1991, enabling him to hire people, sign checks, and make other financial decisions on Wexner's behalf. Additionally, one of Epstein's accusers, Maria Farmer, claimed she was assaulted on Wexner's estate in the 1990s.

  • In 2019, the FBI identified Wexner as a potential co-conspirator in the Epstein case, though he was not charged.
  • In 2020, Wexner stepped down as CEO of Victoria's Secret.

The players

Les Wexner

The billionaire former owner of Victoria's Secret, who had a long-standing financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The deceased pedophile who had significant control over Wexner's finances and personal affairs.

Virginia Giuffre

One of Epstein's most prominent accusers, who named Wexner as one of the men she was trafficked to.

Maria Farmer

An accuser who claimed she was assaulted by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell while staying on Wexner's estate in the 1990s.

Rep. Ro Khanna

A U.S. Representative who named Wexner among the wealthy, powerful men whose identities were redacted from the Epstein files.

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What’s next

The House investigation into the government's handling of the Epstein case is ongoing, and Wexner's relationship with the deceased pedophile is likely to face continued scrutiny.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ability of the wealthy and influential to potentially evade accountability for their connections to high-profile criminal cases, even in the face of significant evidence. It raises questions about the transparency of investigations into powerful individuals and the need for greater accountability for those who enable or turn a blind eye to such abuses of power.