US lingerie magnate says was 'conned' by Epstein

Retail tycoon Les Wexner told US lawmakers Wednesday he was "conned" by Jeffrey Epstein and denied any knowledge of the disgraced financier's crimes, as Democrats pressed him over his decades-long ties to the notorious sex offender.

The 88-year-old founder of L Brands -- the former parent of Victoria's Secret -- gave closed-door testimony from his home in New Albany, Ohio, after being subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Epstein and his associates.

"I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man," the billionaire said in a prepared statement circulated to US media. "While I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide."