Lex Wexner, former Victoria’s Secret CEO, testifies he was “conned” by Jeffrey Epstein, revealing ties, career highlights, and his role in the Epstein Files.
Lex Wexner, former Victoria’s Secret CEO, testifies he was “conned” by Jeffrey Epstein [Photo: X]
Lex Wexner, the 88-year-old billionaire businessman and former CEO of Victoria’s Secret, is back in the spotlight amid renewed scrutiny of his decades-long ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently, Wexner testified before the US House Oversight Committee, calling Epstein a “con man” who betrayed his trust, and insisting he did not know about Epstein’s crimes.
Despite the controversy, Wexner remains a prominent figure in retail, having built L Brands into a global fashion powerhouse. His career spans nearly six decades, shaping iconic brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch, while also establishing him as a noted philanthropist and investor.
Lex Wexner, born September 8, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, is a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. He grew up in a Russian-Jewish family and showed an early interest in business. Wexner is best known as the founder of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and other well-known retail chains.
Over decades, he transformed L Brands into one of America’s most recognizable retail conglomerates. He is also deeply involved in education and healthcare, chairing boards and supporting medical institutions.
Forbes estimates his net worth at around $9 billion. Despite controversies surrounding his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, Wexner’s influence on retail and philanthropy continues.
According to Les Wexner, Epstein manipulated him over the years, misleading him about financial matters. Epstein allegedly misappropriated money and mismanaged properties, while Wexner claims he was unaware of the extent of these actions. Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee, stating, “I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein.
He was a con man.” The billionaire insists he had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal acts and was taken advantage of in business dealings. Legal documents show Wexner’s name appearing over 1,000 times in the Epstein Files, fueling public interest.
Despite the controversy, Les Wexner has never been charged. The episode serves as a warning about the risks of entrusting large sums of money to individuals without full oversight.
Les Wexner met Jeffrey Epstein in the 1980s, trusting him with financial management and property investments. Epstein gained power of attorney, giving him control over Wexner’s finances and significant real estate deals. Their long-standing association lasted for decades, but Wexner insists he was “duped” by Epstein, calling him a “con man.”
The relationship has come under scrutiny after the release of the Epstein Files, raising questions about financial dealings and the extent of Wexner’s support. Lawmakers have examined whether Wexner unknowingly contributed to Epstein’s wealth, which funded criminal activities.
Despite public skepticism, Wexner maintains he did not know about Epstein’s crimes. The case highlights how trust in business relationships can sometimes have dangerous consequences.
Les Wexner’s name appears over 1,000 times in the recently released Epstein Files, which document Jeffrey Epstein’s financial and personal dealings. Lawmakers have examined these files to understand how Epstein gained wealth and influence. Wexner insists his inclusion reflects his long-term financial relationship but denies any involvement in Epstein’s criminal acts.
His testimony emphasized that he was “conned” and “betrayed” by Epstein, calling him a “con man.” Legal experts note that while Wexner’s name appears frequently, there is no evidence that he committed a crime. The files highlight the complicated network Epstein built with wealthy and influential figures.
Lex Wexner is a prominent American businessman best known for leading Victoria’s Secret and building L Brands into a retail empire. He played a major role in shaping the fashion and retail industry, making Victoria’s Secret a household name worldwide. Beyond fashion, Wexner is recognised for his investments, philanthropy, and ties to Ohio State University.
His name resurfaced recently due to his controversial connections with Jeffrey Epstein, putting him back in the public eye. Despite the scrutiny, Wexner has maintained his stance that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
At 88 years old, he continues to manage investments and philanthropic projects. His legacy in retail and business remains influential, even amid legal and media attention.
Lex Wexner founded L Brands in 1963 with a single store in Columbus, Ohio. The company grew to own iconic brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Under Wexner’s leadership, L Brands became one of the largest retail conglomerates in the United States.
He was known for innovative marketing strategies, including celebrity campaigns and glamorous fashion shows. His vision expanded the company into international markets and created a global retail footprint.
Wexner’s ability to identify market trends helped transform L Brands into a household name. The success of Victoria’s Secret, in particular, cemented his reputation as a retail mogul.
Wexner was born and raised in Ohio, showing early business instincts while helping run his family’s small retail shop. Growing up in a Russian-Jewish family, he learned the importance of hard work and financial discipline. His upbringing in Columbus shaped his values around entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
He grew up alongside his sister Susan, maintaining close family ties throughout his life. Early exposure to retail operations gave Wexner practical experience that would later fuel the growth of L Brands.
These formative years laid the foundation for his long career in business leadership. His early life demonstrates how ambition and opportunity combined to create a successful entrepreneur.
Wexner started his first store in Columbus with just $5,000 borrowed from his aunt. From this small beginning, he steadily expanded, opening more stores and creating a network that eventually became L Brands. He focused on customer experience, brand identity, and aggressive expansion strategies. Through careful management and strategic acquisitions, he transformed a local store into a retail empire.
Wexner’s journey demonstrates how vision, persistence, and calculated risks can create massive business success. His rise from modest beginnings to billionaire status inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs. Over the decades, he maintained focus on innovation, marketing, and branding to scale his business nationally and internationally.
After nearly six decades leading L Brands, Wexner stepped down as CEO in 2020 and left the board in 2021. His exit marked the end of an era for the company he built from scratch. The leadership transition reflected changing market dynamics and a need for fresh strategies.
Despite stepping down, Wexner remains influential through his investments and philanthropic work. His tenure at L Brands was defined by bold decisions, brand expansion, and marketing innovation.
Analysts credit him with creating a blueprint for successful retail management. Wexner’s departure also prompted scrutiny of L Brands’ operations and legacy.
