Billionaire Les Wexner's lawyer commented a vulgar threat into his client’s ear during a deposition into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Wexner, who was revealed to be a friend of Epstein and was found within the Epstein Files, was questioned by the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday 18 February.
Democrat Representative Ro Khanna announced Wexner was part of the files when reading out the names of six people who had been previously redacted in the Files.
The Democratic representative of California said the names after visiting the Department of Justice with Thomas Massie.
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Khanna named Leslie Wexner, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, Nicola Caputo, Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze and Leonic Leonov.
Since then, Wexner was called in to the deposition to reveal information about his association with Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking in 2019, but was found dead just two months later in his New York cell of an apparent suicide.
In a video posted by the House Oversight Committee, Wexner’s attorney seemed to repeatedly tell the billionaire to shorten his answers when asked about his friendship.
The lawyer, named Michael Levy, then leaned in to his client, taking hold of Wexner’s shoulder and bicep as he was heard whispering on the hot mic: “I will f**king kill you if you answer another question with more than five words, ok?”
Warning: Contains strong language
Wexner, 88, the former CEO of Victoria's Secret's former parent company, L Brands, allegedly was rambling on when asked questions about his relationship to different people, and Levy got more and more upset as time went on during the four-hour meeting.
But instead of being upset by his lawyer, Wexner can be seen laughing at the threat, which means it was likely a joke.
Wexner famously gave Epstein the power of attorney in 1991, which meant he could make investment and financial decisions on his behalf. He also gave Epstein his Manhattan townhouse for $1 (70p) in the 1990s.
As for what he has said of his friendship since his crimes came to light, Wexner said Epstein 'carefully used his acquaintance with important individuals to curate an aura of legitimacy', and that he had visited Epstein's island once, staying with his wife and young children as they were passing in their boat.
He also wrote in a statement: “I was naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”
Wexner denied knowing about Epstein's crimes and is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Topics: Jeffrey Dahmer, Crime
Britt Jones