Les Wexner hearing goes viral after lawyer’s warning caught on mic

• Democratic lawmakers challenged Wexner’s account, pointing to extensive financial support he allegedly provided to Epstein, including over a billion dollars in transfers, stocks, and payments.

A tense moment from retail billionaire Les Wexner’s congressional hearing over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein has gone viral online, after his lawyer was captured on an open microphone issuing a startling warning.

During a deposition before the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Wexner, former CEO of L Brands and founder of Victoria’s Secret, was heard being told by his attorney: “I’ll f**king kill you if you answer another question with more than five words.” The clip quickly spread on social media, drawing global attention.

Roya News English verified the authenticity of the video from the official US House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The footage is genuine and not doctored or AI-generated.

The hearing, focused on Wexner’s relationship with Epstein, included allegations that the billionaire had been duped by Epstein and lost “vast sums” of money. Wexner said he severed ties with Epstein in 2007 after learning of the abuse, though Department of Justice documents indicate the two remained in contact afterward.

Democratic lawmakers challenged his account, pointing to extensive financial support Wexner allegedly provided to Epstein over the years, including over a billion dollars in transfers, stocks, and payments.

More on Wexner's testimony

In written testimony, Wexner described Epstein as a “conman” and said he had been “naive, foolish, and gullible” to trust him. He claimed Epstein stole “vast sums” from his family and denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes against minors. 

Representative Robert Garcia said Wexner provided significant financial support to Epstein, including over a billion dollars in transfers, stocks, and direct payments, despite Wexner’s claims of limited involvement.

Wexner admitted to visiting Epstein’s properties, including his private island Little Saint James, but said he accompanied family members and had no knowledge of criminal activity. He also addressed allegations from Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, insisting he had never been unfaithful to his wife of 33 years.

The hearing comes as US authorities released millions of Epstein-related documents, exposing connections between Epstein and influential figures in politics, business, and society. FBI records indicate Wexner was at one point investigated as a potential “secondary coconspirator” in Epstein’s crimes, though investigators found “limited evidence regarding his involvement.”

Wexner’s legal team characterized Epstein’s claims in his personal notes and letters as “untrue, outlandish, and delusional statements” intended to justify his misconduct.