Billionaire Les Wexner to be deposed in congressional probe of Epstein files

Wexner's name appears more than 1,000 times in the Epstein files, raising new questions about their relationship

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Les Wexner, the retired founder of L Brands, will face a closed-door congressional deposition on Wednesday regarding his long-time friendship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner has already spent years answering for their decades-long association, and the newly released Epstein files have shed new light on their relationship, which ended bitterly after Wexner learned Epstein had been stealing from him.

Why it matters

As one of Epstein's most prominent former friends, Wexner's testimony could provide crucial insights into Epstein's criminal activities and the extent of Wexner's knowledge or involvement. The fallout from the Epstein scandal has continued to impact Wexner, with sexual assault survivors and Ohio State alumni increasing pressure on him to testify about his ties to Epstein.

The details

Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney in 1991, allowing him to make investments, do business deals, and purchase property on Wexner's behalf. The two had a close relationship, with Epstein describing Wexner as a "most loyal friend." However, the relationship unraveled after Wexner discovered Epstein had been stealing from him, leading Wexner to fire Epstein as his financial adviser and revoke his power of attorney.

  • Epstein first met Wexner through a business associate around 1986.
  • Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney in 1991.
  • Wexner emailed Epstein on June 26, 2008, after Epstein's plea deal was announced.
  • Wexner cited 2007 as the year he fired Epstein as a financial adviser, revoked his power of attorney, and removed his name from Wexner's bank accounts.
  • The congressional deposition will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Les Wexner

The retired founder of L Brands, a billionaire retail magnate who had a long-time friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A millionaire financier who was a close friend of Wexner's for decades, until their relationship ended bitterly after Wexner discovered Epstein had been stealing from him.

Abigail Wexner

Les Wexner's wife, who along with Wexner learned that Epstein had been stealing from them.

Maria Farmer

An Epstein survivor who has said she was sexually assaulted by Epstein and Wexner's associate, increasing pressure on Wexner.

Dr. Mark Landon

The head of Ohio State's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who was revealed to have been on Epstein's payroll as a $25,000-per-quarter consultant.

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What they’re saying

“Epstein had 'excellent judgment and unusually high standards,' Wexner told Vanity Fair in a 2003 interview, and he was 'always a most loyal friend.'”

— Les Wexner (Vanity Fair)

“Abigail told me the result… all I can say is I feel sorry. You violated your own number 1 rule…always be careful,”

— Les Wexner (Email to Jeffrey Epstein)

“no excuse.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Email to Les Wexner)

“I did not provide any clinical care for Jeffrey Epstein or any of his victims. I was a paid consultant for the New York Strategy Group regarding potential biotech investments from 2001 to 2005.”

— Dr. Mark Landon, Head of Ohio State's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Statement)

“It appears Epstein was furious that Mr. Wexner refused to meet with him years after Mr. Wexner terminated Epstein and cut off all ties with him following Mr. Wexner's discovery of Epstein's theft and criminal conduct. The draft appears to fit a pattern of untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements made by Epstein in desperate attempts to perpetuate his lies and justify his misconduct.”

— Tom Davies, Spokesperson for Les Wexner (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Les Wexner to testify in the congressional probe.

The takeaway

The ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to impact Les Wexner, with the billionaire facing increased pressure from sexual assault survivors and Ohio State alumni to testify about his ties to the disgraced financier. Wexner's deposition could provide crucial insights into Epstein's criminal activities and the extent of Wexner's knowledge or involvement.