L Brands founder Les Wexner has issued a statement regarding the charges against his former business manager, Jeffrey Epstein.
In the statement sent to employees, Wexner said Epstein was involved in many aspects of his financial life but he was “NEVER aware of the illegal activity charged in the indictment.”
“I severed all ties with Mr. Epstein nearly 12 years ago. I would not have continued to work with any individual capable of such egregious, sickening behavior as has been reported about him,” Wexner said.
Epstein was arrested earlier this month and is facing charges of sexually abusing underage girls.
You can read the full letter from Wexner below.
Dear associate,
I would never have guessed that a person I employed more than a decade ago could have caused such pain to so many people. My heart goes out to each and every person who has been hurt. I severed all ties with Mr. Epstein nearly 12 years ago. I would not have continued to work with any individual capable of such egregious, sickening behavior as has been reported about him. As you can imagine, this past week I have searched my soul … reflected … and regretted that my path ever crossed his.
When Mr. Epstein was my personal money manager, he was involved in many aspects of my financial life. But let me assure you that I was NEVER aware of the illegal activity charged in the indictment.
We all know that what is being reported about Mr. Epstein will receive significant news coverage. I fully expect that this will remain in the news for some time to come. And we don’t know what twists and turns these events will take … but I can assure you that I will continue to act in the company’s best interest as this unfolds, and I ask you to do the same. I am proud that our company has long-held core values – those values have never been more important than today, and I ask that we all wave them higher now than ever before.
Best regards,
Les
