Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 19: US billionaire Les Wexner, who has faced scrutiny over his past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, told lawmakers he was “naive, foolish and gullible” for trusting Epstein and insisted he had no knowledge of the latter’s crimes.

Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret, testified before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability as part of its probe into the Epstein case following the release of thousands of related documents.

In his opening statement, the 88-year-old retail magnate said Epstein had misappropriated “vast sums” of money from him and his family while serving as his financial adviser.

“I was naive, foolish and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein,” Wexner said. “He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”

Wexner denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal conduct and said his relationship with the convicted sex offender was limited. He also acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island briefly with his family but maintained he was unaware of any abuse.

A spokesperson for Wexner told the BBC that he “honestly answered every question” put to him by the committee and reiterated that he had no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein’s illegal activities.

Lawmakers questioned Wexner over his role in Epstein’s rise to wealth and influence. Congressman Robert Garcia argued that Epstein would not have amassed his fortune without Wexner’s support.

Wexner has previously said he cut ties with Epstein after allegations of sexual abuse involving minors surfaced in Florida. He later discovered, he said, that Epstein had stolen significant funds from him.

In a 2019 FBI document, Wexner was described as a potential co-conspirator, though no charges were ever brought against him. A separate email reportedly noted there was “limited evidence” of his involvement. Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated that Wexner’s name appears thousands of times in investigative files.

Wexner’s lawyers have said that in 2019, federal prosecutors informed his legal counsel that he was viewed as a source of information about Epstein and was not a target of the investigation. They added that he cooperated fully and was not contacted again.