Les Wexner to Face Congressional Deposition Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties

The news that Les Wexner, the visionary behind retail empires like Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, will face a congressional deposition marks a watershed moment in the long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle. For decades, Wexner was Epstein’s most prominent client and benefactor, granting him power of attorney over his vast personal and corporate fortune. This deposition is expected to probe the depths of that financial arrangement and whether any retail assets were leveraged in Epstein’s illicit activities. The move by Congress signals a renewed focus on the financial underpinnings of Epstein's operations, moving beyond the criminal charges to the institutional and corporate support systems that may have facilitated his lifestyle.

Wexner’s relationship with Epstein began in the 1980s and lasted until at least 2007, a period during which Wexner built L Brands into a global powerhouse. The association has long cast a shadow over Wexner’s legacy, contributing to his decision to step down as CEO and Chairman of L Brands in 2020. The retail industry has watched closely as Victoria’s Secret struggled with brand perception issues, some of which were exacerbated by the proximity of its founder to a convicted sex offender. The deposition will likely revisit the 1991 power of attorney agreement, which gave Epstein unprecedented control over Wexner’s finances, including the ability to hire and fire employees, sign tax returns, and manage real estate transactions.

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The news that Les Wexner, the visionary behind retail empires like Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, will face a congressional deposition marks a watershed moment in the long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle.

The congressional probe is likely looking for "follow the money" evidence. Investigators want to know how Epstein, who had no clear source of wealth before meeting Wexner, amassed such a significant fortune. For the retail sector, this serves as a cautionary tale regarding corporate governance and the risks of "key man" dependencies where personal and professional lives become dangerously intertwined. The deposition could reveal whether L Brands' resources were used to fund Epstein’s travel, properties, or other activities, which would raise serious questions about the fiduciary duties of the board during that era.