ACCESSING CLASSIFIED FILES
Decrypting documents...
Your connection is being monitored
Back to Individuals
critical risk
Les Wexner
Founder and Former CEO; L Brands (Victoria's Secret); Jeffrey Epstein's Primary Benefactor
Billionaire retail mogul who gave Jeffrey Epstein sweeping power of attorney over his finances and gifted him a $77 million Manhattan townhouse
Overview
Leslie Herbert Wexner is the billionaire founder of L Brands (formerly The Limited); the parent company of Victoria's Secret; Bath & Body Works; and other retail chains. Wexner is the only known client of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein; who managed Wexner's financial affairs for approximately two decades. The relationship was extraordinary in its scope; Wexner granted Epstein sweeping power of attorney over his finances; gave him a $77 million Manhattan townhouse (one of the largest private residences in New York City); allowed him to use a private Boeing 727; and let Epstein operate from within Wexner's corporate and personal infrastructure. Wexner has said he was not aware of Epstein's sexual abuse; but multiple investigations have raised questions about the extent of his knowledge. The New York Times reported Epstein misappropriated at least $46 million from Wexner; which Wexner claimed to have discovered only after severing ties in 2007. However; their relationship continued in some form after that date. Victoria's Secret models have alleged that Epstein used his connection to Wexner and the lingerie brand to recruit and approach young women. Wexner stepped down as CEO of L Brands in February 2020 as scrutiny of the Epstein connection intensified.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Gave Jeffrey Epstein sweeping power of attorney over his finances; allowing Epstein to act on his behalf in virtually all financial matters
Gifted Epstein a $77 million Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street; one of the largest private residences in New York City
Multiple Victoria's Secret models alleged Epstein used his connection to Wexner and the lingerie brand to recruit and approach young women
Claimed Epstein misappropriated at least $46 million but said he only discovered this after severing ties; timeline of the relationship raises questions
Remained relatively silent about his two-decade relationship with Epstein; provided limited public explanation of how Epstein gained such extraordinary control over his finances
Stepped down as CEO of L Brands in February 2020 as Epstein connection drew increased media and legal scrutiny
Related Investigations (3)
Known Associates & Connections
Jeffrey Epstein
Managed Wexner's finances for two decades; received $77M townhouse and power of attorney
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- September 8, 1937
- Birthplace
- Dayton, Ohio, USA
Education
- •The Ohio State University; B.S. Business Administration 1959
Key Timeline
September 8, 1937
Born in Dayton, Ohio
1963
Founded The Limited retail chain
Late 1980s
Begins financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein; grants power of attorney
1990s
Epstein manages Wexner's finances; uses Wexner's corporate infrastructure and connections
1998
Transfers $77 million Manhattan townhouse to Epstein
2007
Claims to have severed relationship with Epstein after discovering financial misappropriation
2019
Acknowledges relationship with Epstein publicly for the first time after Epstein's arrest and death
February 2020
Steps down as CEO of L Brands amid intensifying Epstein scrutiny