Leslie Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, has been linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner accused Epstein of misappropriating “vast sums” of his personal fortune over a decade ago. However, the full extent of this alleged multimillion-dollar theft has not been disclosed by Wexner. In 2008, Epstein donated $46 million to a foundation run by Wexner’s wife, Abigail. This amount, according to Wexner, represented only “a portion” of the funds he recovered from Epstein. Despite inquiries from ABC News, a spokesperson for Wexner declined to specify the amount of money Epstein is believed to have misappropriated and also declined to comment on whether that alleged misappropriation was ever reported to the authorities.
Wexner and Epstein’s relationship began in the mid-1980s, when they were introduced by mutual friends. Epstein took over managing Wexner’s personal finances and was given power of attorney over his personal fortune in July 1991. This gave Epstein “wide latitude” to act on behalf of Wexner, one of the richest men in the world. The relationship between Wexner and Epstein, who died in prison after being indicted on sex trafficking charges, has been the subject of scrutiny. Wexner’s refusal to reveal the full extent of Epstein’s alleged theft has raised questions about the nature of their relationship and the extent of Epstein’s financial misconduct.
In 2007, Wexner cut ties with Epstein after allegations surfaced that Epstein was involved in trafficking and sexually abusing young women. Wexner has denied any involvement in Epstein’s alleged crimes. The scandal has had an impact on Wexner’s reputation and business, leading to his resignation as chairman and CEO of L Brands, the retail giant he started, which includes brands like Victoria’s Secret.
Jeffrey Epstein, a former prep school teacher, entered the finance world and gained a reputation as an astute money manager for the super-wealthy. Wexner, an 81-year-old Jewish billionaire, made his fortune by founding The Limited, a women’s clothing brand, in 1963. He is the longest-running CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the Wexner Foundation, among the most prominent private Jewish charities in the world.