Epstein Received $100 Million from Retail Billionaire Wexner in Secret Settlement Amid Theft Allegations

ft.com · 2026-02-09
Epstein Received $100 Million from Retail Billionaire Wexner in Secret Settlement Amid Theft Allegations

A prosecutors' report has revealed that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein received $100 million from retail magnate Les Wexner in a private settlement. The payment was reportedly made to resolve allegations of theft brought by Wexner against Epstein and was explicitly designed to "avoid unnecessary public attention." The settlement underscores the complex and secretive financial dealings Epstein maintained with his wealthy associates. Wexner, founder of L Brands, had a long-standing relationship with Epstein, who acted as a financial advisor. The revelation adds another layer of scrutiny to Wexner's legacy and the extensive network Epstein cultivated. This clandestine financial arrangement highlights the lengths to which individuals might go to protect their reputations, while simultaneously demonstrating the increasing difficulty of maintaining absolute secrecy in the modern era. The ongoing investigations into Epstein's affairs are expected to uncover further details about his financial empire and its impact on prominent figures.