Congress to Depose Wexner in Ohio Over Epstein Ties
Key Takeaways
- ▶ Congressional investigators agreed to depose billionaire Leslie Wexner, 87, in Ohio rather than compelling him to testify in Washington, D.C.
- ▶ Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney over his finances and transferred ownership of a Manhattan mansion at 9 East 71st Street that became a hub for abuse.
- ▶ A House Oversight Committee member publicly labeled Wexner a 'co-conspirator' in Epstein's sex trafficking operation on the House floor.
- ▶ Wexner, the founder of Victoria's Secret and L Brands, claims he severed ties with Epstein in 2007, but the depth of his knowledge about Epstein's crimes remains unclear.
- ▶ The deposition terms—location, whether testimony is under oath, and whether transcripts will be public—have not been disclosed.
Congressional investigators will depose billionaire Leslie Wexner about his Jeffrey Epstein ties in Ohio, rather than in Washington as initially planned, The Columbus Dispatch reported.1
Wexner, 87, will give his deposition in Ohio rather than in the nation’s capital, where Congress typically compels high-profile witnesses to appear.1
Background on Wexner’s Relationship with Epstein
The retail magnate’s relationship with Epstein has drawn congressional attention since a House Oversight Committee member labeled him a “co-conspirator” in Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking operation earlier this month.2
According to public records, Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney over his finances and transferred ownership of a Manhattan mansion at 9 East 71st Street — a property valued at approximately $77 million — that, according to court filings, became a location where alleged abuse occurred.1 The billionaire founder of Victoria’s Secret and L Brands has stated Epstein manipulated him and that he severed ties in 2007.1 The extent of his knowledge about Epstein’s alleged crimes has not been established. Wexner is also the largest donor to Ohio State University, where the Wexner Medical Center bears his name.1
Deposition Details
The Dispatch did not report when the Ohio deposition will occur, whether testimony will be under oath, or if transcripts will be released to the public.1
Wexner has never been charged with any crime related to Epstein. He has not provided detailed public testimony about his relationship with Epstein. Federal agencies continue reviewing Epstein-related records under the Epstein Transparency Act.1
Jeffrey Epstein