Billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner, the founder and former CEO of L Brands, recently gave a deposition before the House regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During the deposition, Wexner denied any knowledge of Epstein’s heinous crimes, which have been widely publicized since his arrest in 2019. However, one Epstein survivor, Maria Farmer, has called Wexner’s testimony “abhorrent” and has referenced her own 1996 court filing in which she accused Epstein of abusing her at Wexner’s Ohio residence.
In a statement released on Saturday, Farmer expressed her disappointment and disbelief at Wexner’s denial of knowledge. She stated, “It is abhorrent that Mr. Wexner would claim to have no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities, especially considering my own experience with Epstein at his Ohio residence.” Farmer’s statement serves as a powerful reminder that the impact of Epstein’s crimes extends far beyond his own actions, affecting the lives of countless survivors.
For those who may not be familiar with the case, Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier and registered sex offender who was accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls over the course of several decades. He was arrested in 2019 and charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. However, before he could stand trial, he died by suicide in his jail cell.
Since his death, Epstein’s survivors have been seeking justice and holding those who enabled his crimes accountable. One of the key figures in this case is Les Wexner, who has been linked to Epstein through their long-standing business relationship. Wexner was the owner of the Limited Brands, which includes popular brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. Epstein served as Wexner’s financial advisor for many years and had power of attorney over Wexner’s fortune.
In her statement, Farmer referenced her own experience with Epstein at Wexner’s Ohio residence, where she claims she was sexually abused by Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. She also mentioned her 1996 court filing, in which she accused Epstein of sexually assaulting her and her younger sister. Farmer’s allegations were never pursued, and she believes that Wexner’s denial of knowledge is a way to protect his own reputation and avoid responsibility.
It is understandable that Wexner would want to distance himself from Epstein and his crimes. However, as a powerful and influential figure, he has a responsibility to take accountability for his actions and those of his associates. It is not enough to simply claim ignorance and move on. As Farmer’s statement shows, the impact of Epstein’s crimes is still being felt by survivors, and it is crucial for those who enabled him to be held accountable.
Moreover, Wexner’s denial of knowledge also raises questions about the culture of silence and complicity that allowed Epstein to continue his abuse for so long. It is important for individuals in positions of power to speak out against such heinous crimes and take steps to prevent them from happening in the future. By denying any knowledge of Epstein’s actions, Wexner is perpetuating this culture of silence and failing to use his influence for good.
In conclusion, Maria Farmer’s statement serves as a reminder that the impact of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes is far-reaching and continues to affect survivors to this day. Les Wexner’s denial of knowledge is not only abhorrent to those who have suffered at the hands of Epstein, but it also raises important questions about accountability and the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse. It is time for those in positions of power to take responsibility and stand up against such heinous crimes, and for justice to be served for all of Epstein’s survivors.
