Washington D.C. – Former Victoria’s Secret owner Leslie Wexner faced intense scrutiny Wednesday during a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, accused by Democrats of downplaying his decades-long relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The deposition, part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein’s crimes and the network of individuals who enabled him, comes after the recent release of millions of pages of documents related to the case. Wexner, 88, maintained he was “conned” by Epstein, who managed his fortune for years, but Democrats expressed dissatisfaction with his responses, alleging a lack of remorse and a pattern of evasiveness.
The core of the inquiry centers on the extent of Wexner’s knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity and whether he facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse. While Wexner has not been charged with any crime, his long association with Epstein – dating back to the 1980s – has drawn significant criticism, particularly given Epstein’s access to Wexner’s wealth and influence. The Justice Department identified Wexner as a “co-conspirator” in documents released related to the Epstein case, though he denies any wrongdoing. This deposition represents a key moment in the ongoing effort to uncover the full scope of Epstein’s crimes and the complicity of those around him.
Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the Oversight Committee, voiced strong criticism following the six-hour deposition. “[Wexner] denied everything, and quite frankly, it would have been nice to see more remorse,” Garcia told reporters. He further stated his disbelief in Wexner’s claim of having no close personal relationship with Epstein. The committee is similarly examining whether Wexner’s testimony aligns with information contained within the newly released Epstein files, which have revealed previously unknown details about the financier’s activities and connections.
Wexner Testifies He Was “Conned” by Epstein
During the deposition, Wexner repeatedly asserted that he was a victim of Epstein’s deception, claiming he was unaware of the extent of the financier’s criminal behavior. According to a person familiar with the testimony, Wexner stated he believed Epstein was a “world Olympic con artist” who stole “vast sums” from his retail fortune. He testified that he severed ties with Epstein nearly 20 years ago upon learning of his abusive behavior. Wexner also stated he repaid Epstein $100 million after discovering the theft of funds, a detail first reported in 2019, according to the New York Post.
However, Democrats on the committee remain skeptical. They point to Epstein’s extensive control over Wexner’s finances, including managing his fortune and purchasing properties, as evidence of a deeper and more enabling relationship than Wexner portrays. Epstein, a failed Wall Street trader, reportedly bought real estate for Wexner, then later repurchased those properties at reduced prices, as detailed in a 2019 federal prosecution memo. This raises questions about whether Wexner was truly unaware of Epstein’s illicit activities or actively benefited from them.
Committee Scrutiny and Absent Republicans
The deposition took place at Wexner’s home in New Albany, Ohio, and was led by committee staff. Notably, no Republican members of the House Oversight Committee were physically present. According to reports, this was due to the absence of Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who was undergoing previously scheduled oral surgery. Democrats also noted that they did not attend the closed-door deposition of Bill and Hillary Clinton in January, a point raised by Republicans as a matter of procedural fairness.
The lack of Republican participation drew criticism from Democrats, who accused the GOP of attempting to obstruct the investigation. However, a source familiar with the matter indicated that the absence of Republicans was not intended as a sign of disinterest, but rather a logistical consequence of Comer’s medical procedure. The committee’s investigation is ongoing, and further depositions are planned, including those of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, scheduled for February 26 and 27, as reported by Axios.
Wexner’s Claims Regarding Trump and Epstein
During the deposition, Wexner also addressed questions regarding his interactions with former President Donald Trump. He testified that he had met Trump at Victoria’s Secret fashion shows prior to his presidential run, but claimed he never observed Trump with Epstein, either publicly or at Epstein’s Palm Beach home. Wexner further stated he did not consider Trump and Epstein to be friends. This testimony appears to contradict potential lines of inquiry regarding whether Trump was aware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
However, the veracity of Wexner’s recollection is being questioned, given the extensive network of connections surrounding Epstein. The Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related files has revealed links between Epstein and numerous high-profile individuals, raising concerns about the extent of his influence and the potential for complicity. The committee is continuing to analyze these files to determine whether they corroborate or contradict Wexner’s testimony.
The Broader Epstein Investigation
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is part of a larger effort to hold accountable those who enabled his crimes. The release of millions of pages of documents by the Department of Justice in recent months has provided new insights into Epstein’s network and the alleged cover-up of his abuse. The documents include flight logs, witness statements, and legal filings that shed light on Epstein’s activities and the individuals who associated with him.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate and co-conspirator, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of sex trafficking charges. Maxwell described Wexner as Epstein’s “closest friend” in a 2025 interview transcript released by the Justice Department. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, has also alleged that Wexner was among those she was trafficked to, claims that Wexner has denied. The committee is examining these allegations as part of its investigation.
The ongoing scrutiny of Wexner and other individuals connected to Epstein underscores the complexities of the case and the challenges of uncovering the full truth. The release of the Epstein files has sparked renewed calls for accountability and transparency, and the House Oversight Committee’s investigation is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The committee has indicated it will release the video and transcript of Wexner’s deposition in the coming days, providing the public with a more detailed account of his testimony.
As the investigation progresses, lawmakers are also considering legislative reforms to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future. These potential reforms include strengthening laws related to sex trafficking, increasing oversight of wealthy individuals with connections to criminal activity, and improving the coordination between law enforcement agencies. The goal is to ensure that those who exploit and abuse others are held accountable and that victims receive the support and justice they deserve.
The next key event in this ongoing investigation is the scheduled depositions of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on February 26 and 27. These depositions are expected to provide further insights into the extent of Epstein’s network and the potential involvement of high-profile individuals. The House Oversight Committee will continue to pursue all available leads and operate to uncover the truth about Epstein’s crimes and the individuals who enabled them.
Here’s a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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