NEW ALBANY, Ohio — In a high-stakes congressional deposition that lasted nearly five hours on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, retail billionaire Leslie Wexner told members of the House Oversight Committee that he was “naive” and “conned” by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 88-year-old founder of L Brands, whose net worth is currently estimated at $9.1 billion, faced intense questioning at his Ohio estate regarding his decades-long relationship with the disgraced financier.
The deposition, which was released via video by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform early Thursday morning, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the “Epstein files.” Wexner, the man credited with building a retail empire that included Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, has long been under scrutiny for his ties to Epstein, who served as his personal money manager for years.
Key Revelations from the Wexner Deposition
During the closed-door session, Wexner confirmed several details that have fueled public speculation for years:
- Island Visits: Wexner admitted to visiting Epstein’s private Caribbean island but maintained he had no knowledge of the illegal activities occurring there.
- Financial Transfers: House panel members alleged that Wexner provided Epstein with “about a billion dollars” over the course of their association. Wexner countered by stating Epstein stole “vast sums” from him.
- The “Con” Defense: Wexner described himself as an ethical philanthropist who was deceived by a master manipulator. “I was conned,” Wexner reportedly told lawmakers, according to BBC reports.
Lawmakers Express Skepticism
Despite Wexner’s detailed denials, Democratic members of the committee expressed significant doubt regarding his testimony. Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA) and four other representatives noted that Wexner frequently claimed he “did not recall” specific events or details when pressed on the mechanics of his financial relationship with Epstein.
“We have doubts about Mr. Wexner’s denials,” a spokesperson for the House Democrats stated following the session. Lawmakers are particularly interested in how Epstein, who had no other major clients, amassed a fortune estimated in the hundreds of millions while under Wexner’s employ.
A Legacy Under Fire
For decades, Les Wexner was celebrated as the “longest-serving Fortune 500 CEO,” a retail visionary who transformed how America shops. However, his association with Epstein has increasingly overshadowed his business achievements. The Wexner Foundation, which has funded numerous international initiatives, has also come under fire; recent reports indicate that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak received foundation funds years before his own controversial partnership with Epstein.
As of February 19, 2026, Wexner remains the wealthiest man in Ohio, ranking #371 on the global billionaires list. While he has not been charged with any crime, the release of the deposition video is expected to intensify public pressure on the retail tycoon as Congress continues to sift through the Epstein files for evidence of co-conspirators.
This is a developing story. Check back for further updates as the House Oversight Committee continues its investigation.