Featured Image Credit: C-Span
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, US News, World News, Crime
Kit Roberts
A lawyer representing the former CEO of lingerie line Victoria's Secret had a blunt message for his client as he was grilled over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Les Wexner had appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door deposition as part of its investigation into the estate and influence of the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Victoria's Secret CEO has been alleged to have had an important role in Epstein building up his wealth, and an FBI document from 2019 described him as a potential co-conspirator, though no charges have been brought against him.
Wexner has denied any wrongdoing, and described himself as 'naive, foolish, and gullible' for trusting Epstein, who died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.
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One moment in Wexner's appearance before the House Oversight Committee has drawn particular attention, when his lawyer had some stern words for him during his questioning.
Around four-and-a-half hours into his client's deposition, attorney Michael Levy was filmed leaning over and whispering into his ear: “I will f**king kill you if you answer another question with more than five words, OK?"
After listening to the message, which Levy was smiling as he said, Wexner laughed briefly before continuing with the questioning.
The exchange was released by the committee on Thursday (February 19) as part of video footage of Wexner's entire deposition.
Take a look at the moment below:
Questioning in the deposition focused on how Epstein, who rose to prominence as a financier, had worked for Wexner.
Wexner, 88, spoke in detail about his many possessions which had needed to be put into an inventory, and that he didn't realize he would need to do this before he hired Epstein.
The billionaire also gave a statement of prepared remarks to the committee, in which he said that he had cut ties with Epstein upon learning of his crimes.
“I completely and irrevocably cut ties with Epstein nearly 20 years ago when I learned that he was an abuser, a crook and a liar," he said.
“I was never a participant nor co-conspirator in any of Epstein’s illegal activities.”
In the prepared statement he said that he was introduced to Epstein in the 1980s when he was looking for someone to help manage his personal finances.
A spokesperson for Wexner also released a statement to the BBC after his questioning, which said: "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."