Ohio billionaire Les Wexner faces renewed scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein ties

Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, founder of Limited Brands and former owner of Victoria's Secret, is facing renewed scrutiny over his long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The connection between Wexner and Epstein

Epstein, who served as Wexner's financial advisor for nearly two decades, managed Wexner's personal finances and even lived in one of Wexner's Manhattan mansions rent-free from 1996 to 2000. The relationship began in the early 1980s when Epstein was working as a math teacher and transitioned into a formal financial advisory role by the late 1980s.

According to court documents and investigative reports, Epstein gained extraordinary control over Wexner's personal and business affairs during their association. Epstein was granted power of attorney over Wexner's affairs and had access to Wexner's personal and business accounts.

New developments and legal challenges

Recent lawsuits and investigative reports have brought fresh attention to the nature of their relationship. In 2023, new court filings revealed that Epstein had transferred millions of dollars from Wexner's accounts to his own, including payments to various women who have since come forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

Victims' attorneys have argued that Wexner should have known about Epstein's criminal activities given the extent of their relationship and Epstein's access to Wexner's properties and resources. Several lawsuits have named Wexner as a defendant, alleging that he enabled Epstein's crimes through his business and personal connections.

Wexner's response and distancing

Wexner has consistently denied knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. In a 2019 statement, Wexner said he was "horrified" by the allegations against Epstein and claimed he was "misled" about Epstein's character and activities. Wexner terminated his relationship with Epstein in 2007, around the time Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida.

Limited Brands, now known as Bath & Body Works Inc., has also sought to distance itself from the controversy. The company has emphasized that Wexner stepped down as CEO in 2020 and that the allegations relate to his personal conduct rather than company operations.

Financial implications and investigations

Federal investigators have examined financial transactions between Wexner and Epstein, including the transfer of Wexner's Manhattan mansion to Epstein in 2011. The property, valued at over $50 million, was later sold by Epstein's estate.

The scrutiny has had financial implications for Wexner's businesses. Victoria's Secret, once a retail powerhouse, has faced declining sales and brand image issues in recent years, though company executives attribute these challenges to changing consumer preferences rather than the Epstein controversy.

Ongoing legal proceedings

Multiple civil lawsuits are ongoing, with victims seeking damages from Wexner's estate and related entities. Legal experts suggest that while Wexner himself may face limited personal liability due to the passage of time and the nature of the allegations, the cases could result in significant financial settlements.

The renewed attention to Wexner's ties with Epstein comes amid broader societal reckoning with how powerful individuals and institutions enabled or overlooked warning signs about Epstein's criminal behavior. The case continues to raise questions about accountability, due diligence, and the responsibilities of wealthy individuals in preventing and addressing sexual exploitation.

As investigations continue and new evidence emerges, the full extent of Wexner's knowledge and involvement in Epstein's activities remains a subject of intense public and legal scrutiny.