So what WAS Victoria’s Secret?
Victoria’s Secret is a name synonymous with glamorous lingerie, supermodels, and iconic fashion shows that captivated millions. Yet beneath this glitzy exterior lies a darker story—a troubling chapter intertwined with billionaire Les Wexner and the convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Let's unpack how Victoria’s Secret became entwined in a web of exploitation far beyond fashion.
Les Wexner: The Retail Tycoon Behind the Brand
Les Wexner was the visionary founder and CEO of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret. Through his leadership, Victoria’s Secret transformed from a small lingerie retailer into a global fashion powerhouse known for its provocative runway shows and aspirational branding.
However, Wexner’s legacy is complicated. Beginning in the 1980s and into the 1990s, he developed a close personal and financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a dark criminal side. Epstein became Wexner’s personal money manager and legal representative, handling his finances and managing some of his properties. Remarkably, Epstein was notoriously Wexner’s only known client during this period—an unusual and telling detail.
Epstein’s Exploitation Using the Victoria’s Secret Name
Though Jeffrey Epstein never held a formal position at Victoria’s Secret or L Brands, he leveraged his connection to the company and, by extension, Wexner’s vast influence, to pose as a talent scout for Victoria’s Secret.
This role gave Epstein a veneer of legitimacy with young women and aspiring models. It is now known that he used this pretense to lure victims into situations where they were sexually exploited. For example, in 1997, model Alicia Arden was invited to a hotel room by Epstein, who claimed to be scouting for Victoria’s Secret. Instead, she was assaulted—an incident echoed by others who suffered similar fates.
This misuse of the brand name facilitated Epstein’s larger trafficking network, enabling him to operate under a cloak of fashion industry respectability.
Wexner’s Awareness—and the Question of Responsibility
Documents and testimonies suggest that top executives within L Brands warned Wexner during the mid-1990s that Epstein was abusing the Victoria’s Secret name to recruit young women. While some accounts assert that Wexner confronted Epstein and barred him from such claims, there is widespread doubt about whether sufficient action was ever taken to stop Epstein’s abuse.
Epstein’s control over Wexner extended well beyond mere business dealings. He held power of attorney for Wexner and managed trusts linked to his fortune. This deep level of trust and access raises questions about how much Wexner knew or ignored about Epstein’s activities.
Years later, Wexner publicly admitted embarrassment over his association with Epstein but denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal exploitation.
Beyond the Brand: The Real Legacy of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows
Victoria’s Secret shows were once cultural phenomena—elaborate productions featuring beautiful, thin models in elaborate lingerie sets. However, the image fostered by these shows and the company’s marketing often emphasized a hyper-sexualized and youth-focused ideal.
The revelations about Epstein’s exploitation under the guise of Victoria’s Secret modeling have cast these shows in a much darker light. The brand’s role in promoting a culture where young women were seen as objects of desire also contributed to enabling abuse and silencing victims. This impact sparked public outcry, lawsuits, and demands for corporate accountability.
The Fallout and Rebranding Efforts
In 2020, amid growing scrutiny and declining public favor, Les Wexner stepped down as CEO and chairman of L Brands. The company has since distanced itself from the Epstein scandal, attempting to reinvent Victoria’s Secret as more inclusive and socially conscious.
However, ongoing legal cases and investigations continue to explore the connections between Epstein’s trafficking network and L Brands. The Victoria’s Secret story remains a cautionary tale about how power and privilege can be weaponized to hide exploitation behind beauty and glamour.
Conclusion: What Was Victoria’s Secret?
Victoria’s Secret was more than a lingerie brand. Under the shadow of Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein’s relationship, it became part of a hidden world of manipulation, trafficking, and abuse. The renowned fashion shows and iconic brand served as a front for one of the most notorious sex trafficking operations. Understanding this history shines light on the complex truth behind the allure—and the urgent need for accountability and reform.
