Jeffrey Epstein news: Has Les Wexner agreed to answer questions?
Speculation around Jeffrey Epstein’s former associates continues, but the most recent development involves Leslie Wexner providing sworn congressional testimony rather than remaining silent. Wexner, once one of Epstein’s earliest and most prominent clients, gave nearly five hours of answers in a closed-door deposition in February 2026. The session took place at his New Albany, Ohio home before the House Oversight Committee as part of its review of Epstein-related files and government handling of the case. The full video was released the next day, shifting attention from old civil litigation rumors to a primary public record.
Who is Leslie Wexner?
Wexner built Limited Brands into a retail powerhouse that included The Limited, Victoria’s Secret, and Abercrombie & Fitch. He was also one of Epstein’s first significant financial clients. The two men maintained a close relationship for years, with Epstein managing aspects of Wexner’s finances and gaining access to properties including the Palm Beach home and New York residence. Wexner traveled to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, though his account of that trip has since been clarified under oath. After Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Wexner stepped down as CEO of L Brands. He had already ended the relationship years earlier.
Why Wexner cut ties in 2007
According to Wexner, Epstein misappropriated millions from family accounts around 2007. That discovery prompted Wexner to sever contact. He has maintained since then that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Law enforcement records later showed Wexner was never named a target or co-conspirator in federal investigations. His public position has remained consistent: he described himself as naïve and duped by a skilled con man who concealed criminal activity behind legitimate-seeming financial services.
Congressional Deposition in 2026
The February 18, 2026 deposition lasted nearly five hours and covered financial dealings, the timeline of the relationship, and any awareness of Epstein’s crimes. Wexner answered questions under oath at his Ohio property. The committee released the full video the following day, giving the public direct access to his statements. Questions focused on how Epstein gained control over assets, the extent of their social contact, and whether Wexner observed or enabled illegal conduct. The session replaced earlier speculation about a limited written deposition in a private lawsuit that has since concluded.
Wexner’s Testimony on the Island Visit
Wexner stated under oath that he visited Little St. James only once, for roughly an hour, accompanied by his wife and children. He described the island as “a pretty crummy island” and said he saw nothing that suggested criminal activity. The account directly addressed earlier rumors that he had hosted events there. Committee members reviewed the single-visit claim alongside Epstein flight logs and property records, but Wexner maintained he had no knowledge of the trafficking operation that operated on the island and elsewhere.
Reaction from Lawmakers and Ongoing Scrutiny
Democrats on the committee described Wexner’s answers as incomplete or unconvincing and said the testimony raised additional questions about Epstein’s financial network. Republicans noted that Wexner appeared and responded to questions without invoking privileges. The deposition forms part of a wider committee effort to examine how Epstein files were handled by federal agencies. Wexner’s attorneys had previously offered to provide information through counsel, but lawmakers insisted on his personal appearance. The video release allows independent review of both the questions and the responses.
Current Status of Leslie Wexner
Wexner is 88 years old. He remains involved in philanthropy and holds a seat on the Ohio State University medical center board, though recent reports indicate reduced attendance at meetings. He continues to deny any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has faced renewed public attention following the deposition and additional Epstein file releases. Wexner has not faced criminal charges related to the case.
The 2026 congressional record now stands as the most detailed public statement from Wexner on his relationship with Epstein. While the testimony answered some timeline questions, partisan reactions show that scrutiny of Epstein’s wider circle has not ended. The released video gives researchers and the public a fixed reference point for evaluating claims that once circulated without sworn confirmation.
