EXPLAINERNews|CorruptionLes Wexner: How the billionaire enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s riseFormer Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak received Wexner Foundation funds. Years later, he partnered with convicted US sex offender Epstein.
In a private session in Ohio on Wed, Feb 18, 2026, Leslie Wexner was questioned by United States lawmakers regarding Jeffrey Epstein's financial rise and Wexner's involvement. Five members of the House Oversight Committee interviewed the 88-year-old…
In a private session in Ohio on Wed, Feb 18, 2026, Leslie Wexner was questioned by United States lawmakers regarding Jeffrey Epstein's financial rise and Wexner's involvement. Five members of the House Oversight Committee interviewed the 88-year-old following a subpoena issued after a recent US Department of Justice document release related to Epstein.
The documents, made public on Jan 30, 2026, are part of an extensive collection from federal investigations into Epstein's activities. Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019, was previously charged with sex trafficking of minors. Wexner's name is found in both redacted and unredacted forms within these documents.
Wexner, founder of L Brands, stated, "I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.” Epstein had significant relationships with various business leaders, politicians, and academics, including Wexner.
Epstein met Wexner in the mid-1980s. By 1991, Wexner granted him full power of attorney, allowing Epstein to handle financial transactions on his behalf. Newly released Justice Department records, including a 1998 purchase and sale agreement, detail asset transfers between the two, including Wexner's Manhattan townhouse. This property became Epstein's New York base.
In a private session in Ohio on Wed, Feb 18, 2026, Leslie Wexner was questioned by United States lawmakers regarding Jeffrey Epstein's financial rise and Wexner's involvement.
By the early 1990s, Epstein held roles in Wexner's philanthropic and corporate ventures, serving as a trustee of the Wexner Foundation and president of Wexner-affiliated companies. In 1996, Epstein moved his firm to the US Virgin Islands, positioning as an offshore financier.
The Wexner Foundation and the Israel Connection
From 2004 to 2006, the Wexner Foundation compensated former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak approximately $2.3 million for research studies. Barak maintained contact with Epstein for several years. A court filing alleges that Wexner and Barak were involved in Epstein's trafficking activities, although no supporting evidence is provided, and neither has been charged.
Barak stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and regrets their association. Wexner claimed to have severed ties with Epstein around 2007 after discovering financial misappropriations.
In 2014, emails show Nili Priel Barak, Barak's wife, corresponded with Epstein about travel plans and sent him a draft op-ed for feedback. Epstein responded with edits. In 2015, Epstein invested in Carbyne, a startup chaired by Barak, further linking their relationship through a commercial venture.
Documents suggest Epstein also explored security-related business with African leaders. Barak has expressed regret for not conducting thorough investigations into Epstein's activities. Wexner, who has not been charged with any crime, is frequently mentioned in the newly released files, highlighting the significance of his past relationship with Epstein.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
