Question
Why did Les Wexner cut ties with Jeffrey Epstein?
Answer
Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands, severed his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein around 2007 — the same period when Epstein was under federal investigation in Florida. Wexner later stated that Epstein had misappropriated approximately $46 million from him through the extraordinary power of attorney Wexner had granted Epstein over his finances.
After Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Wexner issued a public statement calling Epstein’s behavior a “profound betrayal” and expressing shame that he had given Epstein so much trust and access. He characterized Epstein as having deceived him about his character and activities.
The precise mechanism of the alleged $46 million fraud was never fully adjudicated in court. Some investigators and journalists expressed skepticism about the timing of the split — coming as legal scrutiny intensified around Epstein — while others took Wexner’s account at face value.
Wexner also faced questions about what he knew of Epstein’s conduct with young women during the nearly two-decade relationship. He denied having any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s trafficking activities.
The circumstances surrounding the end of the relationship — when, how, and why — remained among the questions investigators and journalists continued to press in the years following Epstein’s death.
Sources
- Wexner public statement, August 2019
- Ohio State University Board of Trustees report on Epstein connections
- Vicky Ward reporting on the Wexner-Epstein financial relationship