Les Wexner Admits Epstein Island Visit as GOP Skips Deposition
Les Wexner acknowledged visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island during a House Oversight deposition released this week, but denied knowing about Epstein’s criminal activity.
The nearly five-hour video, recorded at Wexner’s Ohio home, is now public and it immediately triggered criticism from Democratic lawmakers over what they described as evasive answers.
According to Reuters, Wexner confirmed he visited Epstein’s island once and described the late financier as a “world-class con man.” He said he severed ties after discovering financial misconduct but denied awareness of sex trafficking crimes.
Related: Republicans Skip Les Wexner Deposition in Epstein Probe, Democrats Raise Alarms
The Guardian and Axios reported that no Republican lawmakers participated in the deposition, which was conducted behind closed doors as part of the committee’s broader Epstein-related inquiry.
Democrats said Wexner frequently responded with memory lapses when pressed about the depth of his relationship with Epstein and past financial arrangements.
“He denied everything,” one Democratic lawmaker told Axios following the session.
The deposition adds renewed scrutiny to high-profile figures connected to Epstein, years after the financier’s death in federal custody. Lawmakers have continued examining financial ties, property transfers, and who may have had knowledge of criminal conduct.
Related: Former Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct Tied to Epstein Files
The release of the full video signals the committee intends to make portions of the investigation public rather than keeping testimony sealed.
It remains unclear whether Republicans will participate in future depositions or whether additional subpoenas will be issued as the inquiry continues.
For now, Wexner’s testimony raises questions that lawmakers on one side of the aisle say remain unresolved.
Related: DOJ Scrubs FBI Interview Record Tied to Underage Trump Accuser in Epstein Files