Billionaire Les Wexner to Face Congressional Deposition Over Epstein Ties

Wexner's long-standing relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to be scrutinized in closed-door hearing

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, will be deposed by congressional Democrats on Wednesday regarding his decades-long friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner has faced scrutiny over the extent of his ties to Epstein, who was found to have misappropriated "vast sums" from Wexner's fortune while managing his finances. The deposition will examine new revelations about their relationship contained in recently released Justice Department documents.

Why it matters

Wexner's association with Epstein has drawn renewed attention from sexual assault survivors and others seeking accountability. The deposition could shed light on the nature of their relationship and any potential wrongdoing, as well as Wexner's knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.

The details

Wexner, 88, is expected to face questions about his long-time friendship with Epstein, which began around 1986. Epstein was given power of attorney over Wexner's vast fortune in 1991, allowing him to make investments and business deals on Wexner's behalf. However, Wexner later said Epstein had "misappropriated 'vast sums'" from him and his family. The two men's relationship ended bitterly, with Wexner severing ties in 2007, though they remained in contact afterward.

  • The deposition is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney over his finances in 1991.
  • Wexner said he severed ties with Epstein in 2007, though they remained in contact afterward.
  • Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019.

The players

Les Wexner

The billionaire founder of L Brands, who had a long-standing friendship and business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender who managed Wexner's vast fortune for years.

Virginia Giuffre

A prominent Epstein victim who claimed in court documents that Wexner was one of the men Epstein trafficked her to.

Maria Farmer

A sexual assault survivor who filed one of the earliest complaints against Epstein, which reportedly included allegations of his possession of nude photos of underage girls.

Dr. Mark Landon

The head of Ohio State University's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who was revealed to have been on Epstein's payroll as a consultant.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tom Davies, Spokesperson for Les Wexner

“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

“no excuse.”

— Jeffrey Epstein

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Wexner to testify in the lawsuit against Ohio State University regarding the late Dr. Richard Strauss, who sexually abused students.

The takeaway

This deposition will further scrutinize Wexner's relationship with the disgraced Epstein, raising questions about the extent of Wexner's knowledge and involvement in Epstein's criminal activities. The outcome could have significant implications for Wexner's legacy and reputation, as well as the ongoing efforts by Epstein's victims to seek accountability.