Les Wexner

Leslie Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein

Leslie H. Wexner (born September 8, 1937) is the founder of L Brands, the retail conglomerate that owns Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. He built one of the great American retail fortunes over six decades. His relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is one of the most significant and puzzling aspects of the entire Epstein saga.

The Financial Relationship

Epstein managed Wexner’s personal fortune for over a decade, reportedly overseeing assets exceeding $1 billion. This relationship was the cornerstone of Epstein’s claimed financial expertise and social legitimacy. Yet almost no financial records of this arrangement have been publicly released.

Power of Attorney

In 1991, Wexner granted Epstein extraordinary powers through a power of attorney document. The document gave Epstein the authority to manage Wexner’s estate, make financial decisions, hire and fire employees, and conduct virtually any business in Wexner’s name. This level of control over a billionaire’s affairs was extraordinarily unusual.

The Manhattan Townhouse

Wexner purchased the 9 East 71st Street townhouse in Manhattan — the largest private residence in New York City at the time — and subsequently transferred it to Epstein in 1989 for what critics have noted appears to be far below market value.

Wexner’s Statements

After Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Wexner issued a public letter stating he had cut ties with Epstein around 2007 after discovering Epstein had misappropriated “vast sums of money” from him — an extraordinary admission. Wexner claimed he was “fooled” and the victim of Epstein’s deception. Many observers found this explanation inadequate given the depth and duration of their relationship.

Continued Scrutiny

Questions remain about the full extent of Wexner’s relationship with Epstein, including whether he had knowledge of or benefited from Epstein’s criminal activities. Wexner has not been charged with any crime.