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Les Wexner Testifies to House Panel, Says He Was 'Conned' by Epstein

Lawmakers seek clarity on extensive financial links spotlighted in newly released DOJ files.

Overview

  • Wexner sat for a closed-door, subpoenaed deposition on Wednesday at his New Albany, Ohio home as part of the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe.
  • In prepared remarks, the 88-year-old retail billionaire denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, said he severed ties in 2007, and described Epstein as a “world-class con man.”
  • A Justice Department memo made public in the recent document release says Epstein repaid the Wexners about $100 million and suggests his misappropriation from Wexner may have accounted for most of Epstein’s wealth.
  • Democratic members said Wexner downplayed the relationship, frequently claimed not to recall key details, offered little new information, and did not invoke the Fifth Amendment.
  • 2019 FBI emails listed Wexner as a possible co‑conspirator with “limited evidence,” while his representatives say prosecutors told his counsel that year he was not a target; Rep. Robert Garcia said transfers, stock and payments from Wexner to Epstein totaled roughly $1 billion.