COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio retail magnate Les Wexner, 88, is expected to provide testimony under oath this week as part of a congressional inquiry into the trove of newly released Justice Department records connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The deposition, taking place in Ohio rather than Washington, reflects intensified legislative oversight and mounting public scrutiny of Wexner’s historical association with Epstein.
Deposition Sparks Renewed Focus on Relationship With Epstein
Wexner, founder of L Brands and long known as a prominent philanthropist, agreed to comply with a subpoena issued by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers say the session — conducted behind closed doors — will explore questions raised by recently unsealed files that reference Wexner more than 1,000 times. Though he has never been charged with any crime in connection with Epstein’s criminal conduct, Wexner’s decades-long financial and personal ties to the disgraced financier have drawn fresh attention.
During the relationship, Epstein was entrusted with managing aspects of Wexner’s finances, including receiving power of attorney in the early 1990s and handling major property acquisitions. Wexner later severed professional ties with Epstein upon learning of alleged misappropriation of funds and criminal behavior, a split he has called decisive.
Political and Public Reactions Intensify
The deposition has triggered a broader response from Ohio’s political class. Several local officials have returned or donated political contributions from Wexner amid the growing spotlight on his role in the Epstein saga. At the national level, the inquiry forms part of ongoing congressional efforts to assess how and why high-profile individuals appeared in previously redacted federal documents.
Supporters of survivors of Epstein’s trafficking network praise increased transparency, while critics argue the closed nature of the deposition limits public accountability. Wexner’s extensive philanthropic footprint — including major gifts to Ohio cultural and educational institutions — has also come under discussion, with advocacy groups pushing for reevaluation of naming honors tied to his legacy.
Legal Context and What Comes Next
Although the deposition itself is not a criminal proceeding, its timing coincides with a broader legislative push after the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which led to the release of millions of pages of investigative material. Members of Congress continue to examine connections between Epstein and a network of influential individuals, even as debate persists over redaction practices and victim protections.
For Wexner, the immediate focus remains on answering lawmakers’ questions about what he knew and when, as well as confronting the reputational fallout tied to his past relationship with Epstein.
