Jeffrey Epstein was a longtime financial adviser and business partner with New Albany billionaire Leslie H. Wexner, founder of L Brands, a one-time retail empire that included Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch and other famous brands.
So it was no surprise that Wexner's name appeared on a list of names of Epstein associates that were redacted from a 2015 civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and partner Ghislaine Maxwell of directing her sexual involvement with prominent men. The case was settled in 2017. Last month, U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York ordered the list of names be released because there was no longer a need for them to remain hidden.
Wexner's name is mentioned on the list and several times in the documents released Wednesday evening, but neither he nor any of the figures whose names are mentioned in the released files have been charged with any crime. Their inclusion on the list only constitutes a possible association as a witness, victim, plaintiff, or having business or social contact with Epstein and/or Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in federal prison for her conviction.
A release of a second batch of documents Thursday night did reveal any further connections to Wexner.
In the first batch of documents, Wexner's name comes up in depositions that were released as part of the documents in which those being questioned were asked about Wexner.
In one instance, Maxwell is asked whether she provided a woman with an outfit of a sexual nature to wear for Wexner.
"Categorically no," Maxwell responded. "You did get that, I said categorically no."
She also was asked whether she had communicated with Wexner about the lawsuit. "No," she responded.
Another witness in the case was asked whether she met Wexner or other prominent figures, including former Vice President Al Gore or actor Kevin Spacey. That witness replied, "No" when it came to Wexner.
Epstein's and Wexner's business ties date to the mid-1980s and include giving Epstein power of attorney and wide latitude to act on Wexner's behalf.
In 1998, Epstein was identified as president — along with Wexner — of The New Albany Company development firm, according to Ohio business records. Epstein owned land in the New Albany development, including a home on King George Drive that he owned from 1994 until selling it for $0 to the Wexners in December 2007.
Epstein also had been a trustee of the Wexner Foundation but had no executive responsibilities for running it, the foundation said in 2020.