“I am embarrassed,” Les Wexner claims to be victim of Jeffrey Epstein

Leslie Wexner, who has been highly scrutinized lately for his mysterious relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, is now claiming to be a victim.

In a letter to members of his namesake foundation, Wexner alleged that Epstein, who was arrested last month and charged with sex trafficking involving girls as young as 14, misappropriated more than $46 million of his fortune while functioning as Wexner’s financial manager.

“I am embarrassed that, like so many others, I was deceived by Mr. Epstein,” Mr. Wexner wrote Wednesday. “I know now that my trust in him was grossly misplaced and I deeply regret having ever crossed his path.”

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In the letter, Wexner explained that he separated from Epstein in 2007 after he was charged with multiple counts of molestation and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Epstein had been in control of Wexner’s personal finances since 1991.

It was during the 2007 separation that Wexner claimed he discovered the missing funds, calling it a “tremendous shock” to he and his family. He added that this situation “pales in comparison” to the allegations against Epstein now.

Epstein has pleaded not guilty to charges that he and his employees paid dozens of underage girls to engage in sex acts, reports The New York Times. Wexner maintains that he knew nothing about Epstein’s illegal activity.

For more coverage, visit nytimes.com and wsj.com.

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