Wexner ties Loom Over Ohio State Board Amid Strauss Abuse Lawsuit and Epstein Scrutiny
Ohio billionaire Leslie Wexner’s decades-long connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein,and questions surrounding his knowledge of alleged abuse by a former Ohio State University team doctor,cast a shadow over thursday’s meeting of the OSU Board of Trustees. Survivors of Dr. Richard Strauss, accused of sexually assaulting dozens of athletes, silently protested the meeting, demanding Wexner’s testimony in their ongoing lawsuit against the university.
The survivors, who have attended several past board meetings to raise awareness, this time displayed signs asking “Where’s Wexner?” alongside images of Wexner and Epstein. Despite the demonstration, the meeting proceeded as scheduled, according to reports.
At the heart of the legal battle is a subpoena demanding Wexner’s testimony regarding his knowledge of Strauss’ actions. Steve Snyder-hill, a survivor, stated Wexner is currently “defying the subpoena.” The situation is further complicated by the fact that John Zeiger, Wexner’s close friend and lawyer, chairs the board of trustees. “A lot of stuff doesn’t line up,” Snyder-Hill told WOSU. “zeiger represents Wexner. He sits in there on that board
the lawsuit alleges that university officials, including former President Gordon Gee, and former athletic director Andy Geiger, were aware of Strauss’ abuse. Jordan’s alleged knowledge of Strauss’ abuse was the subject of a recent HBO documentary.
Wexner’s influence at Ohio State is undeniable. The university is currently completing construction on a 26-story medical tower bearing his name, adding to the numerous buildings in Columbus that recognize his and his wife Abigail Wexner’s philanthropy, including the Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Wexner founded The Limited, now L Brands, which formerly included Abercrombie and Fitch, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria’s Secret.
The connection between Wexner and Epstein dates back decades, documented in a 2003 Vanity Fair article. emails and documents released by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have also featured the article and a photograph of the two men. The full House voted to compel the Department of Justice to release investigatory files on epstein,but the Trump administration has yet to comply,despite former President Trump’s stated support for their release.
Wexner, now Ohio’s wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $10 billion, hired Epstein as his money manager and developed a close friendship with the financier. Epstein reportedly owned properties developed by wexner’s New Albany Company and purchased a Manhattan mansion from Wexner for a mere $1. Wexner has previously stated he severed ties with Epstein in 2007 after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced.
The survivors’ concerns extend beyond Strauss and Epstein. Wexner also hired Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, who faced his own allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault. The Wexner Medical Center’s emergency room is notably named for Abercrombie and Fitch.
Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson reiterated the university’s previous statement on the Strauss case. “Since 2018, Ohio State has reached settlement agreements with more than half of the plaintiffs, 296 survivors, for more than $60 million,” Johnson said. “All male students who filed lawsuits have been offered the opportunity to settle. In addition, the university continues to cover the cost of professionally certified counseling services and other medical treatment… Ohio State led the effort to investigate and expose Richard Strauss, and we express our deep regret and apologies to all who experienced Strauss’ abuse.”
Snyder-Hill emphasized that Wexner’s cooperation, and that of others, is crucial to uncovering the full truth. “Taking questions under oath shows cooperation. It shows a willingness to come forward,” he said. “I meen, all we’ve ever wanted anybody to do at OSU is to step up and act like that they care.”
