Les Wexner: How the billionaire enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s rise
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Billionaire Les Wexner, founder of L Brands and a prominent figure in retail and philanthropy, has come under scrutiny for his long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking minors. During a closed-door deposition with U.S. lawmakers, Wexner faced questions about his involvement in Epstein’s rise to power, including granting him significant financial control and influence over his philanthropic ventures. Wexner claimed he was “naive” in trusting Epstein but maintained he did nothing wrong. However, newly released Justice Department documents reveal how deeply embedded Epstein became in Wexner’s world, leveraging the billionaire’s resources to position himself as a legitimate financier with access to global elites.
The relationship between Wexner and Epstein began in the mid-1980s when Epstein, then a struggling money manager, was introduced to Wexner through mutual acquaintances. By 1991, Epstein had been granted full power of attorney over Wexner’s assets, enabling him to manage significant financial decisions, including the purchase and sale of properties and the signing of legal documents. This included the acquisition of Wexner’s Manhattan townhouse, which became a key asset for Epstein as he built his reputation in New York City. Epstein also served as a trustee of the Wexner Foundation, using this role to further cement his influence over high-profile individuals and organizations.
Epstein’s ability to manipulate Wexner’s resources allowed him to expand his financial empire and gain access to influential figures, including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who later received funding from the Wexner Foundation. This level of access highlights how Epstein exploited Wexner’s trust to advance his own interests, ultimately positioning himself as a powerful figure in global finance and philanthropy. The fallout from their relationship underscores the dangers of unchecked power dynamics and the potential for exploitation within elite circles.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026