In a recent House hearing, Rep. Thomas Massie made explosive allegations regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case. He claimed that government records identified billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner as a co-conspirator, yet the DOJ had redacted critical information to shield Wexner from accountability. “This is bigger than Watergate,” Massie declared, emphasizing that the alleged cover-up has persisted for decades.
Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, has remained a controversial figure in the Epstein saga. His close association with Epstein, dating back to the 1980s, has raised numerous questions about his role in the financial predator’s rise to notoriety. A review by CNN of the newly released Epstein files revealed that, although Wexner’s name was redacted in some documents, he appears in hundreds of other records indicating that federal authorities investigated his connections to Epstein extensively.
Investigations started as early as 2008, when Epstein pled guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from a minor. Records show that Wexner was sought for information regarding Epstein’s activities. In 2019, he was subpoenaed, and a federal document identified him as a “secondary” co-conspirator, stating there was “limited evidence” of his involvement. Allegations also circulated that he interacted with young women and potentially underage girls in Epstein’s presence, with one victim claiming she was trafficked to him—a claim Wexner has consistently denied.
As the scrutiny intensifies, Wexner is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee. At 88, he has reiterated his innocence, expressing embarrassment for once trusting Epstein. His representatives stated that he was told he was neither a co-conspirator nor the target of any investigation by law enforcement.
Amid heightened concerns, officials from the Trump administration have dismissed claims of cover-ups related to Epstein, with FBI Director Kash Patel asserting there is “no credible information” implicating other men in Epstein’s trafficking. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these sentiments, inviting other victims to come forward with information.
The recently released documents revive scrutiny of Wexner’s associations with Epstein. In a message from Epstein—allegedly sent but denied by Wexner—the financier hinted at a longstanding relationship, expressing that he owed Wexner a “great debt.”
The duo’s partnership began when Wexner enlisted Epstein as a financial advisor to manage his burgeoning retail empire. Over time, Epstein gained control over Wexner’s financial dealings, leading to large-scale misappropriation of funds. By 2008, after Epstein’s guilty plea, Wexner severed ties, but Epstein’s attempts to reach him continued for years.
Investigations into their relationship have yielded a variety of allegations. An FBI interview report from 2011 suggested Wexner might have received an erotic massage in New York, correlating with claims from Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser. Giuffre affirmed under oath that Wexner was one of the prominent figures to whom she had been trafficked, an assertion Wexner’s legal team has vehemently denied.
The inquiry into Wexner escalated further in 2019 when he was once again a focus following Epstein’s second indictment. Prosecutors expressed interest in understanding his relationship with Epstein, especially concerning any knowledge of wrongdoing. Allegations continued to surface, including testimony from former bodyguards claiming Wexner was “best friends with Epstein.”
While a spokesperson claimed that Wexner had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities, the complexity of their relationship remains under examination, particularly following the release of new witness statements in 2020 suggesting models as young as 18 had participated in private viewings at Wexner’s request.
Following a series of legal maneuvers, subpoenas were issued for Wexner and others to provide depositions, with congressional Democrats highlighting the importance of tracing financial connections to identify those who may have facilitated Epstein’s criminal enterprises. Wexner’s counsel has stated they will fully cooperate with any inquiries.
As the investigation unfolds, Wexner’s continued involvement with Epstein’s legacy continues to raise eyebrows and invite further scrutiny, with investigators eager to piece together the full extent of his ties to the disgraced financier.
