Billionaire Retailer Says He Was 'Duped' by Adviser Epstein

Les Wexner denies knowing about Epstein's crimes or participating in his abuse of girls and young women.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Les Wexner, the billionaire behind the retail empire that once included Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, told members of Congress that he was "duped by a world-class con man" - his close financial adviser Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner denied knowing about Epstein's crimes or participating in his abuse of girls and young women, and said he was "naive, foolish, and gullible" to put trust in Epstein.

Why it matters

As one of Epstein's most prominent former friends, Wexner has spent years answering for their decades-long association. This congressional hearing provided Wexner an opportunity to "set the record straight" about his ties with Epstein, as new details about their relationship continue to emerge.

The details

Wexner said he turned over management of his vast fortune to Epstein in 1991, allowing Epstein to make investments and business deals. Epstein also helped Wexner develop the upscale Columbus suburb of New Albany. However, their relationship ended bitterly in 2007 after the Wexners discovered Epstein had been stealing from them. Newly released documents also reveal Epstein's claims of having "gang stuff" with Wexner for over 15 years, though Wexner denies receiving the letter containing those claims.

  • Epstein first met Leslie Wexner around 1986.
  • Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney in 1991.
  • Wexner and the Wexners discovered Epstein had been stealing from them in 2007.
  • Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019.
  • Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Les Wexner

The 88-year-old retired founder of L Brands, the retail empire that once included Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch. Wexner has spent years answering for his decades-long association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender and close financial adviser to Les Wexner, whom Wexner described as a "con man" and "abuser, a crook, and a liar."

Rep. Robert Garcia

A California Democrat who sat in on Wednesday's congressional interview with Wexner and expressed skepticism about Wexner's claims.

Virginia Giuffre

A prominent late Epstein victim who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among men Epstein trafficked her to.

Maria Farmer

A survivor who said a redacted FBI report contained in the document release vindicated her longstanding claim that she filed one of the earliest complaints against Epstein while she was under his employ in 1996.

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What they’re saying

“I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”

— Les Wexner, Billionaire Retailer

“There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, California Democrat

“It is interesting that Mr Wexner has already begun to clarify in his mind that somehow he and Mr. Epstein weren't even friends. We should be very clear that the two were very close, per reporting. They spent a lot of time together.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, California Democrat

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.