The Wexner-Epstein Foundation
Jeffrey Epstein’s extraordinary access to the modeling industry emerged substantially through his decade-long relationship with Les Wexner, founder and CEO of L Brands, which owned Victoria’s Secret.
Epstein served as Wexner’s financial manager and was given power of attorney over his finances — extraordinary access that effectively made Epstein the most trusted person in Wexner’s business life.
The Victoria’s Secret Audition Scam
Multiple women described a recruitment tactic in which they were told they were being considered for Victoria’s Secret or related modeling opportunities:
- Epstein or his associates would tell young women they were being scouted for VS work
- The Victoria’s Secret brand gave the proposition immediate legitimacy
- Women who believed they were auditioning for legitimate modeling work were then brought into Epstein’s network
Wexner has stated he had no knowledge Epstein was using his company’s name as a grooming tool.
The MC2 Model Management Connection
Jean-Luc Brunel’s MC2 Model Management was partially funded by Epstein, and MC2 had relationships with major fashion brands. Multiple MC2 models came into contact with Epstein’s operation.
Victoria’s Secret Chief Marketing Officer
Ed Razek, longtime Victoria’s Secret Chief Marketing Officer, had connections to both Wexner’s social circle and the broader modeling world that overlapped with Epstein contacts. In 2018, Razek resigned from L Brands amid separate controversies about his conduct with models.
What Wexner Has Said
Les Wexner has publicly stated:
- He distanced himself from Epstein around 2007 after “coming to the realization” that Epstein had stolen “vast sums” from him
- He had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities
- He regrets his relationship with Epstein
The Financial Transfers
The Manhattan mansion Epstein occupied (9 East 71st Street) was originally purchased by Wexner for approximately $13 million in 1989 and transferred to Epstein for $0 — a remarkable transfer given the mansion’s value of $50+ million by the time of Epstein’s arrest.