Les Wexner, the prominent businessman behind Victoria's Secret, has faced significant backlash over his long association with a convicted offender.

Despite the serious allegations, the billionaire maintains that he was an unsuspecting victim of a master manipulator. He insists that his trust was exploited and that he had no knowledge of the illegal activities occurring behind the scenes.

American billionaire Les Wexner, reportedly a central figure in Jeffrey Epstein's wealth, has called himself 'naive, foolish and gullible' for having faith in the late sex offender. In a statement to US lawmakers, the former chief executive of the Victoria's Secret lingerie label alleged that Epstein stole 'vast sums' of money from his family during his time as their financial adviser.

#BREAKING: Rep Ansari: “…I met with the victims as recently as last week, and there is not a name that the victims and their lawyers bring up more than#LesWexner, I mean, Les Wexner is a CRUCIAL part of this investigation…Jeffrey#Epsteinwould not be Jeffrey Epstein without…pic.twitter.com/dllGReimSl

Wexner, who spoke to a House committee during its inquiry intoEpstein, has consistently denied any misconduct. He was named as a possible accomplice in an FBI report from 2019, yet no legal action was ever taken against him.

Legislators charged the billionaire with being aware of Epstein's criminal activities yet failing to intervene. On Wednesday, Wexnerappearedbefore the House of Representatives Oversight Committee to address his ties to the financier following the disclosure of thousands of files detailing Epstein's offences. To hear this testimony, committee members made the trip to Wexner's home in Ohio.

Speaking to theBBC, a spokesperson for the 88-year-old businessman stated: 'Mr Wexner honestly answered every question put to him today by the Committee. Mr Wexner reiterated that he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein's illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently.'

The deposition saw participation only from Democrats, with Republican committee members staying away, although some of their staff attended. California's Robert Garcia told those gathered: 'We should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there'd be no money to traffic women and girls. Mr Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner.'

TOTAL INSANITY: Zero GOP House Oversight Members Showed Up To Question FBI Listed Epstein Co-Conspirator Les Wexner During His Deposition Today Allowing The Democrats To Further The Narrative That Trump 2.0 Will Be Remembered As The Epstein [email protected]/OJEINl6fQc

Billionaire Les Wexner told a US House panel he visited Epstein's private island but said he wasn’t aware of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation at the time."There would be no Epstein island without the support of Les Wexner," Rep. Robert Garcia saidhttps://t.co/itWbpffjySpic.twitter.com/oZTzn29Ni4

Source: International Business Times UK