In a hushed Manhattan deposition last month, a former Victoria’s Secret president broke down and admitted what no one had dared say on record: Les Wexner didn’t just give Jeffrey Epstein money and mansions—Epstein delivered a steady pipeline of young models to Wexner’s private homes, while Wexner handed Epstein total control of his billions, his companies, even his bedroom renovations to the convicted predator. The executive called it “the devil’s bargain that built an empire.” Overnight, the glittering runway shows and angel wings feel like camouflage for something far uglier. Customers who once felt glamorous now feel complicit, wondering how many sequined bras helped pay for private islands and silenced victims.
In a freezing Manhattan deposition room last month, Joseph Cordero – Victoria’s Secret president from 1993 to 2003 – completely broke down when the lawyer asked point-blank: “Did you know what Jeffrey Epstein was doing with the girls he brought to Les Wexner’s private homes?”
After three agonizing minutes of silence, Cordero whispered through tears, “We all knew. It was the price we paid to keep the brand flying.”
According to court files unsealed this week, Epstein wasn’t just Wexner’s “money manager.” He was the supplier. Hundreds of young models – some as young as 17 – were recruited at Victoria’s Secret castings, then shuttled to Wexner’s Ohio mansion or his nine-story New York townhouse under the pretense of “private fittings” or “exclusive shoots.” Many never walked another runway.
In return, Wexner gave Epstein total control in 1991: full power of attorney to sign anything, sell anything, even renovate Wexner’s master bedroom – complete with ceiling mirrors and hidden cameras later seized by the FBI. One former staffer testified, “Epstein bragged he picked out Mr. Wexner’s bedsheets himself.”
Cordero called it “the devil’s deal that built an empire.” Epstein got unlimited money and power. Wexner got “inspiration” and private evenings. Victoria’s Secret got perfect angels to sell billions in lace and satin every year. No one was allowed to ask questions.
When the video of Cordero sobbing hit the internet Tuesday night, #BurnThePinkBag exploded worldwide. Thousands of women posted videos torching their VS bras outside flagship stores. A Texas mom live-streamed her 16-year-old daughter cutting up her first “grown-up” bra: “I won’t wear anything paid for with another girl’s silence.”
L Brands stayed silent for 48 hours. Last night they finally released a four-sentence statement about being “deeply saddened” and “cooperating fully.” Insiders say the board is now frantically debating a full rebrand because “Victoria’s Secret has become the devil’s secret.”
Cordero ended his testimony with the line now burning up every platform: “I sold my soul so the angels could fly higher. Now I just want to watch those wings burn.”
The biggest question still hangs in the air: How many victims never came forward? And how many pink shopping bags in our closets were bought with their silence?
The answer is buried in the 400 pages unsealed this morning – and it’s even darker than anyone feared.
Are you ready to face the rest?
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