Statement of Leslie H. Wexner Submitted to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (February 18, 2026)

Overview

This document is a written statement by Leslie “Les” Wexner submitted to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for his February 18, 2026 deposition/testimony concerning his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. In the statement, Wexner describes himself as having been “naïve, foolish, and gullible” in trusting Epstein, asserts he did nothing wrong and had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, and says he “completely and irrevocably” cut ties nearly twenty years ago when he learned Epstein was an abuser and thief.

Wexner also acknowledges Epstein’s survivors and the harm caused, then gives a biographical overview of his business and philanthropic background, including his role as founder and former CEO of L Brands and his long-running philanthropy through entities such as the Wexner Foundation. (EPSTEIN WIKI)

Context

Wexner says he was introduced to 80s by Bob Meister (former vice chairman of Aon) and that he sought and received endorsements for Epstein from Bear Stearns figures Ace Greenberg and Jimmy Cayne, as well as a positive reference from Elie de Rothschild.

He states that he later formally hired Epstein to manage his personal finances and provided Epstein with a power of attorney so transactions could be requiring his signature—authority he says he later granted to Epstein’s successor, Dennis Hersch.

Wexner portrays Epstein as curating an “aura of legitimacy” by associating with prominent institutions and individuals, while hiding criminal conduc

Key claims in the statement

• No knowledge / no participation: Wexner states he never witnessed or had knowledge of Epstein’s criminal actiant or co-conspirator.
• Personal conduct denials: He explicitly denies being unfaithful to his wife Abigail and calls contrary claims “absolutely and entirely false.”
• Travel/property assertions: He states he was never on Epstein’s airplane; says he did not “give” Epstein the New York townhouse (claiming Epsxner was told was appraised value); and says he visited Epstein’s island only once, briefly, with his family.
• Break with Epstein and alleged theft: Wexner says his relationship with Epstein ended nearly twenty years ago; thE from the family; and that in September 2007 they revoked Epstein’s power of attorney, removed access to accounts, and forced him to resign from affiliated entities.
• Return of funds: He states Epstein agreed to return a substantial amount of money while maintaining innocence. Leslie “Les” Wexner](https://epsteinwiki.com/knowledge-base/leslie-les-wexner/)
• Wexner Foundation
• Handwritten “Important Message” Notes and Internal Memos Referencing Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell (Exhibit 3, 014224–014274)
• FBI Travel Concurrence Requests and Palm Beach Police Incident Reports Related to Jeffrey Epstein (2005–2006) (018951–018961)

Additional links

Coverage and context reporting (external):

• The Guardian report on Wexner’s testimony and submitted statement (The Guardian)
• Wall Street Journal report on Wexner’s deposition testimony (The Wall Street Journal)
• House Oversight Democrats: January 23, 2026 subpoena to Wexner (PDF) (Oversight Democrats)

Sources

1. Statement of Leslie H. Wexner Submitted to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives (February 18, 2026) (PDF)
2. The Guardian: “Billionaire Les Wexner to testify before Congress about ties to Epstein” (February 18, 2026) (The Guardian)
3. The Wall Street Journal: “Billionaire Leslie Wexner Testifies He Was ‘Duped’ by Epstein” (February 18, 2026) (The Wall Street Journal)

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