Lingerie Tycoon Wexner Testifies He Was 'Conned' by Epstein

Wexner denies any knowledge of Epstein's crimes as lawmakers press him over their decades-long relationship

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Retail magnate Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands which formerly owned Victoria's Secret, told U.S. lawmakers that he was "conned" by Jeffrey Epstein and denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct. Wexner testified in a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Epstein and his associates.

Why it matters

Wexner's relationship with Epstein has come under intense scrutiny, as the disgraced financier's wealth and access to powerful individuals has been a key focus of investigations into his sex trafficking crimes. Lawmakers are seeking to understand how Epstein amassed his wealth and influence through his ties to wealthy figures like Wexner.

The details

Wexner said he was "naive, foolish, and gullible" to trust Epstein, and denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. However, Democratic lawmakers pressed Wexner on the closeness of their relationship, with one congressman stating that Epstein "would not be the wealthy man he was" without Wexner's support. Wexner cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after learning he had stolen large sums from Wexner's family and been charged with soliciting a minor.

  • Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Wexner and Epstein first met in the 1980s.
  • Wexner cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after learning of his criminal charges.

The players

Les Wexner

The 88-year-old founder of L Brands, the former parent company of Victoria's Secret, who testified that he was "conned" by Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The notorious sex offender who had a decades-long relationship with Wexner, managing his investments and finances.

Robert Garcia

A Democratic congressman who said Epstein "would not be the wealthy man he was" without Wexner's support.

Bill Clinton

The former U.S. president who is due to testify before the House Oversight Committee at the end of February.

Hillary Clinton

The former U.S. Secretary of State who is due to testify before the House Oversight Committee at the end of February.

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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.”

— Les Wexner, Founder, L Brands

“There would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there would be no money to traffic women and girls — Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was — without the support of Les Wexner.”

— Robert Garcia, U.S. Congressman

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee said it would continue its inquiry into Epstein's finances and associates, with Democrats vowing to pursue 'every person who enabled and perpetrated these crimes.'

The takeaway

Wexner's testimony has renewed scrutiny on the relationship between the powerful retail tycoon and the disgraced financier Epstein, raising questions about how Epstein amassed his wealth and influence through ties to wealthy individuals.