Billionaire Les Wexner tells US lawmakers he was 'naive' and 'conned' by Epstein

US billionaire Les Wexner, who is alleged to have played a key role in helping Jeffrey Epstein build his wealth, has described himself as "naive, foolish and gullible" for trusting the late sex offender.

In a statement to US lawmakers at the start of a closed-door deposition on Wednesday, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret lingerie brand accused Epstein of stealing "vast sums" of money from his family when working as his financial adviser.

Wexner, who was testifying before a House committee as part of its probe into the Epstein case, has denied any wrongdoing.

He was described as a potential co-conspirator of Epstein's in a 2019 FBI document, but no charges were ever brought against him.

Lawmakers accused the billionaire, who gave Epstein broad powers over his finances, of knowing about the other man's crimes but failing to stop them.

Wexner had been called before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee to answer questions surrounding his relationship with Epstein in the wake of the release of thousands of documents related to the financier's wrongdoing.

Members of the committee travelled to Wexner's home state of Ohio for the testimony.

A spokesperson for the 88-year-old tycoon told the BBC: "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."

Only Democratic lawmakers attended the deposition. No Republican lawmakers travelled for it, though some of their staff members did attend.

The Democrats addressed reporters after the session.

"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," congressman Robert Garcia, of California, said.

Although Wexner gave his testimony behind closed doors, his opening statement was made public.

In the statement, Wexner said his relationship with Epstein was limited, and denied any knowledge of the convicted sex offender's abuse.

"I was naive, foolish and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein," he said. "He was a conman. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide."

He said he was "pleased to testify" and wanted "to set the record straight".

Wexner also said he had visited Epstein's private island for "a few hours" with his family.

The pair's relationship dates back to the 1980s and Wexner has said he cut ties after Epstein was accused of sexually abusing children in Florida.

Wexner has also said he later discovered Epstein "had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family" - a statement he repeated in his opening remarks on Wednesday.

The retail magnate was identified in a 2019 FBI document as a potential co-conspirator. A separate email also said there was "limited evidence regarding his involvement".

Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously said Wexner's name "appears in the files thousands of times".

Wexner's lawyers recently told the BBC: "The Assistant US Attorney told Mr Wexner's legal counsel in 2019 that Mr Wexner was being viewed as source of information about Epstein and was not a target in any respect.

"Mr Wexner co-operated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again."