Epstein survivors file lawsuit against Les Wexner and Wexner Foundation
COLUMBUS — Several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation have filed a federal lawsuit against Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, and his philanthropic organization, the Wexner Foundation.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that Wexner and his foundation enabled and facilitated Epstein’s abuse through their business relationship and financial support. The plaintiffs claim Wexner knew or should have known about Epstein’s criminal activities.
Wexner, who built a retail empire that included Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, had extensive business and personal ties to Epstein before cutting connections in 2007. The Columbus-based businessman previously gave Epstein power of attorney over his finances and properties.
Foundation Named as Co-Defendant
The Wexner Foundation, established in 1973 to support Jewish education and leadership development, is also named as a defendant in the case. The foundation has provided millions in grants and scholarships over the decades.
Attorneys for the survivors argue that both Wexner personally and his foundation benefited from the relationship with Epstein while allegedly ignoring his trafficking activities. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Previous Connections Detailed
Court documents reveal that Epstein managed significant portions of Wexner’s wealth and was granted unusual access to the billionaire’s properties and business operations. Wexner previously transferred a Manhattan mansion to Epstein, which later became a location where abuse allegedly occurred.
In 2019, Wexner acknowledged in a letter to Wexner Foundation trustees that Epstein had “misappropriated vast sums of money” from him. He stated that he had severed ties with Epstein more than a decade earlier upon learning of his “depraved behavior.”
The lawsuit comes as multiple Epstein survivors have pursued legal action against individuals and organizations they claim enabled his sex trafficking network. Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Legal Response Awaited
Representatives for Wexner and the Wexner Foundation have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. The case adds to ongoing legal challenges facing individuals connected to Epstein’s criminal enterprise.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys who have previously handled cases involving Epstein survivors. They argue that wealthy individuals and institutions that facilitated Epstein’s operations must be held accountable for their role in the abuse.
Federal prosecutors in New York continue investigating Epstein’s associates and the network that allegedly enabled his crimes. The new lawsuit represents another attempt by survivors to seek justice through the civil court system.
Sources: FOX 8 Cleveland
