The Public Apology
In 2019, Les Wexner issued a public statement about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He described Epstein as having ‘misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family’ and said he was ‘embarrassed’ that he ‘was deceived’ by Epstein.
L Brands Departure
In the wake of the Epstein scandal, Wexner faced pressure to step back from L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret. He stepped down from the board in 2020. The company subsequently separated its brands.
The Power of Attorney Question
Wexner acknowledged he had granted Epstein a broad power of attorney but described the scope of its use as having exceeded what he authorized. The precise extent to which Epstein exploited this authorization was a subject of the relationship’s financial scrutiny.
Ohio Philanthropy
Wexner has been one of Columbus, Ohio’s most significant philanthropists for decades, with major gifts to Ohio State University, the Columbus cultural institution landscape, and Jewish community organizations. This legacy predated and outlasted the Epstein years.
The Ongoing Questions
Wexner’s stated framing as a victim of Epstein’s fraud has been accepted by some and questioned by others who note that the extraordinary financial access he gave Epstein should have been subject to more oversight.