Billionaire Les Wexner Named as Epstein Secret ‘Co-Conspirator’

Why it matters: One of America’s richest businessmen, Leslie “Les” Wexner, has been revealed as one of the once-redacted names buried deep in the newly released Epstein files — even though he has not been charged with any crime.

Six identities previously hidden in the massive trove of documents were unmasked after Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, accused the Department of Justice of improperly keeping them secret. Among the names: billionaire mogul Les Wexner, long rumored to be the mysterious power player behind Epstein’s rise.

In an internal FBI email from 2019, Wexner was listed as a “co-conspirator,” though he has never been charged. Epstein, who died in a New York jail that same year while awaiting sex-trafficking charges, had served as Wexner’s personal financial manager for years — a relationship that has fueled speculation ever since.

The DOJ recently dumped more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related material under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed by President Donald Trump. The stash includes thousands of videos and images, part of an unprecedented look at Epstein’s vast network and the powerful people tied to him.

Wexner, 88, spent decades shaping American retail. He built Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands, and served as a key figure at Abercrombie & Fitch and La Senza. Forbes estimates his wealth at more than $9 billion, making him the richest man in Ohio. He lives in New Albany with his wife Abigail; they share four children.

Wexner has long tried to distance himself from Epstein. In 2019, he issued a letter expressing horror at Epstein’s crimes, saying he was “deceived,” that he regretted ever hiring him, and that Epstein once held power of attorney over his personal finances. Wexner claimed he was focused on business and philanthropic efforts while Epstein handled his money.

Wexner’s name is all over Ohio. He spent 18 years on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees before stepping down in 2012. He and his affiliates have donated more than $200 million to the school, and his $100 million gift led to the renaming of the university’s medical center in his honor.

Rep. Massie told reporters: “We want the men Epstein trafficked women to — we want those names published.” He said it took just two hours to identify six previously redacted figures.

On the House floor, Rep. Khanna blasted the secrecy and listed the six names: Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and billionaire businessman Les Wexner.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned why Wexner’s name was ever hidden at all, asking whether the DOJ redacted him in other documents against Congress’ orders.

Congress currently has access to only about half of the DOJ’s total Epstein archive — roughly 3 million of an estimated 6 million documents — and viewing them is tightly controlled. Lawmakers must visit a secured DOJ facility in Washington, give 24 hours’ notice, leave all electronics behind, and rely on handwritten notes.

The fight over transparency is only intensifying as more files become public and more high-profile names surface — raising new questions about who Jeffrey Epstein knew, who protected him, and who may still be shielded from scrutiny.