Leslie Wexner Testifies Before House Oversight Committee in Epstein Investigation

Leslie H. Wexner, billionaire retail executive and former head of L Brands, appeared for a sworn deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as part of its ongoing investigation into the actions and networks surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The deposition, conducted under House Rule 10 authority, followed a subpoena issued by Chairman James Comer on January 23, 2026. The committee formally noticed the deposition for February 9, 2026. Wexner appeared with legal counsel and was sworn in under penalty of perjury.

Committee staff outlined ground rules at the outset, emphasizing that Wexner was required to provide complete and truthful testimony and could face criminal penalties for knowingly false statements. The proceedings were recorded by a court reporter, and exhibits were entered into the record.

Education and Career Background

Wexner began by summarizing his background. He testified that he graduated from The Ohio State University with a business degree. He described growing up in modest circumstances and launching his first retail store in 1963 with a $5,000 loan from a family member. Over the following decades, he expanded aggressively, eventually building what he characterized as one of the largest multi-division fashion specialty retail businesses in the world.

Wexner stated that he opened approximately 10,000 stores globally across multiple brands and emphasized his pride in distributing stock ownership to employees when taking his company public.

First Meeting with Jeffrey Epstein

Turning to the focus of the committee’s inquiry, Wexner testified that he first met Jeffrey Epstein approximately 35 to 40 years ago, likely between 1980 and 1985. He said the introduction occurred in Florida through acquaintances Bob and Wendy Meister, whom he knew through business insurance connections.

According to Wexner, the meeting was brief and incidental. He testified that he had never heard of Epstein prior to that introduction and had no understanding of Epstein’s occupation or financial status at the time.

“I had never heard of him. Never saw him. Never met him,” Wexner stated.

When asked about his first impression, Wexner described Epstein simply as “a guy about medium height with dark hair” and said he did not recall any substantive discussion during the initial encounter.

Disputed Characterizations

During questioning, committee staff introduced a 2021 Vanity Fair article titled Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Bond with Les Wexner as an exhibit. Counsel for Wexner objected on hearsay grounds but did not instruct him not to answer.

The article reportedly described Wexner meeting Epstein around 1986 and included claims that associates had warned Wexner about Epstein’s trustworthiness. One paragraph referenced statements allegedly made by Bob Meister in 1997 expressing concerns about Epstein.

Wexner acknowledged being introduced to Epstein by Bob and Wendy Meister but did not confirm specific characterizations from the article without reviewing them in detail.

When asked whether he trusted Meister’s advice, Wexner clarified that he relied on him only in his professional capacity as an insurance broker and not for broader business guidance.

Broader Investigation Context

The deposition forms part of the committee’s broader inquiry into the actions, associations, and investigative history connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Committee leadership has stated that the purpose is to examine institutional oversight and relationships involving Epstein’s financial network.

Under House deposition rules, the proceedings remain confidential pending potential official release.

As questioning continued, members indicated they would examine additional records and prior statements regarding Wexner’s professional and personal interactions with Epstein in the years following their introduction.

The deposition represents one of the most high-profile congressional interviews in the continuing review of Epstein’s network and influence.