WEXNER-EPSTEIN FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP 1988-2007
Les Wexner, founder and CEO of L Brands (parent company of Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works), maintained a financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that began in the mid-1980s and became one of the most scrutinized aspects of the case.
POWER OF ATTORNEY: In 1991, Wexner granted Epstein broad power of attorney over his financial affairs — an extraordinary arrangement that gave Epstein authority to sign documents, conduct transactions, and make financial decisions on behalf of one of America's wealthiest individuals. This power of attorney was not revoked until 2007.
PROPERTY TRANSFER: Wexner transferred the 9 East 71st Street Manhattan townhouse to Epstein. The terms of this transfer have been disputed — Wexner initially stated Epstein purchased the property, but later documentation suggested the transfer may have been for a nominal sum. The 40-room, seven-story residence was one of the largest private homes in Manhattan.
FINANCIAL SCOPE: Through his role managing Wexner's finances, Epstein gained access to enormous wealth and the social connections that came with representing a billionaire. Epstein's firm, J. Epstein & Co., had the unusual requirement that clients possess $1 billion or more in assets.
SEVERED TIES: In 2019, Wexner publicly stated that Epstein had "misappropriated vast sums of money" from him, though specific amounts were not disclosed. Wexner said he severed financial ties with Epstein in 2007 and expressed regret over the relationship. Wexner was never charged with any crime and stated he was unaware of Epstein's illegal activities.