OSU alumni demand testimony while holding photos of billionaire Les Wexner with Jeffrey Epstein

Former Ohio State University students demonstrated outside the universitys board of trustees meeting on Thursday, calling for billionaire Les Wexner to provide testimony regarding Richard Strauss, a former campus doctor accused of sexually abusing dozens of male students. The protesters highlighted Wexners past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The group of nearly a dozen alumni remained silent during the meeting, holding signs with messages such as WHERES WEXNER and images of Wexner alongside Epstein, emphasizing the universitys refusal to compel Wexners testimony. We wanted to show that Wexner is avoiding the subpoena, said former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato.

Inside the meeting, the board of trustees, chaired by John Zeigerfather and law partner of Wexners attorney Matthew Zeigeradjourned before Tom Lisy, another former OSU wrestler, could read a statement criticizing Wexner for not complying with a court-ordered deposition. The statement argued that Wexners testimony could provide crucial insight into the Strauss case.

OSU spokesperson Benjamin Johnson noted that while Strauss survivors have spoken to the board in the past, there was no provision for public comments at this particular meeting. Wexners attorneys stated they would respond to the subpoena in court, adding that plaintiffs lawyers had not clarified what Wexners knowledge of the Strauss case might be.

The allegations against Strauss date back to the mid-1970s through the late 1990s, involving hundreds of men. Strauss died by suicide in 2005 and was never criminally charged, though a 2019 OSU investigation confirmed at least 177 victims. The university has paid over $60 million to settle claims but continues to face unresolved lawsuits.

Wexner, founder of L Brands Inc., which owns Victorias Secret, PINK, and Bath & Body Works, served on the board during the period of Strausss alleged abuses. Recent filings indicate that Wexner may possess relevant information, but attempts to serve him with a subpoena have been blocked by his private security and attorney.

OSU Athletic Director Ross Bjork stated that the lawsuits are ongoing and emphasized that the university continues to consider the survivors in its actions. Wexner has not been accused of wrongdoing in the Strauss case.

Wexners past relationship with Epstein is well-documented. Epstein managed Wexners finances and held power of attorney and trustee positions. Wexner severed ties with Epstein in 2007 following allegations of sex trafficking. Several Epstein accusers have implicated Wexner in their accounts, though he has repeatedly denied any involvement or knowledge of illegal activity.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in custody, and Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking in 2021, is currently seeking sentence commutation.

Author: Chloe Ramirez