A group of women who say they were victims of Jeffrey Epstein have filed a lawsuit against billionaire Les Wexner. The case was filed in New York and alleges that Wexner played a role in enabling Epstein’s abuse over several years.
According to the complaint, 11 women have come forward together. They claim that Wexner provided support that allowed Epstein to continue his actions without interference. The lawsuit argues that Wexner either knew about the abuse or should have known, given the circumstances.
The women are seeking financial damages and legal fees. They say the aim of the lawsuit is to hold accountable not just the abuser, but also those who may have helped create conditions where abuse could happen.
Claims of financial support and property access
The lawsuit makes several serious allegations about the nature of Wexner’s relationship with Epstein. One of the key claims is that Wexner provided more than $200 million to Epstein over a long period. The complaint suggests that this financial support helped Epstein maintain his lifestyle and influence.
Another major point in the lawsuit concerns a New York mansion. The women allege that this property was used during some of the abuse. They claim that Wexner provided Epstein access to this residence, which became a key location in the case.
The lawsuit also names Wexner’s foundation and business entities, including Nine West. It argues that these organizations were in a position to notice warning signs. The women claim that people connected to Epstein had enough information to raise concerns but failed to act.
The allegations focus on the idea that wealth, access, and influence can play a role in enabling harmful behavior. The complaint states that ignoring such warning signs can amount to allowing abuse to continue.
Case filed under Gender-Motivated Violence Act
The case has been filed under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act. This law allows victims to bring civil cases against individuals who may have enabled or supported acts of gender-based violence.
This legal route is important because it expands responsibility beyond the main accused person. It allows courts to examine whether others contributed to the situation by providing support or failing to act.
The women argue that Wexner’s actions fall within this scope. They claim that his financial ties and property dealings with Epstein created an environment where abuse could occur. By using this law, the accusers are attempting to show that responsibility can extend beyond direct involvement.
The court will now examine whether the claims meet the legal standards required under this law. This includes looking at evidence of knowledge, responsibility, and the role of support systems.
Les Wexner denies allegations and vows to defend
Les Wexner has denied all the allegations made in the lawsuit. In a statement, his spokesperson said that he has sympathy for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes but rejects the claims against him.
The statement argues that the lawsuit does not provide a factual basis for holding Wexner responsible. It says the claims are based on incorrect assumptions, particularly regarding property ownership and financial dealings.
Wexner’s defense states that the New York townhouse was sold to Epstein in 1998 for $20 million. According to the statement, this sale took place years before the alleged incidents mentioned in the lawsuit.
The response also challenges the claim that Wexner gave Epstein $200 million. It says that any payments made were for legitimate wealth management services. The statement emphasizes that Wexner had no knowledge of Epstein’s wrongdoing.
Additionally, the defense points to past testimony, stating that Epstein purchased assets, including a plane, at market value. This, they argue, shows that transactions were conducted in a normal business manner.
Wexner’s legal team has said the claims will be strongly contested in court. The case will now proceed through the legal system, where both sides will present their arguments and evidence.
