Court Sides With Former Students Seeking Answers
A federal judge has ordered billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner to testify in a lawsuit filed by former Ohio State University students who say they were sexually abused decades ago by campus doctor Richard Strauss.
The ruling came Tuesday from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. It marks a key win for the former students, who have been trying since September to require Wexner, a past member of the university’s board of trustees, to give sworn testimony.
Judge Michael H. Watson rejected Wexner’s request to block the subpoena. In his decision, he wrote that the plaintiffs have the right to find out what Wexner knew about Strauss and when he knew it.
Wexner has not been accused of wrongdoing in the Strauss case.
Longstanding Allegations Against Richard Strauss
Richard Strauss worked as a doctor at Ohio State from the mid 1970s through the late 1990s. Former students say he sexually abused young men during medical exams and other encounters. Strauss died by suicide in 2005.
An independent university investigation released in 2019 concluded that at least 177 male students were abused by Strauss. He was never criminally charged in connection with the allegations.
The former students suing the university argue that school officials failed to act despite warning signs. At least 236 men are currently seeking damages from Ohio State.
Dispute Over Serving the Subpoena
Survivors had struggled for months to serve Wexner with a subpoena. They claimed his security team and legal representatives repeatedly blocked attempts to deliver the court papers.
As a result, protesters gathered on campus late last year. During those demonstrations, some survivors raised questions about Wexner’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. They also called for his name to be removed from a university football facility funded by his donations.
In January, Judge Watson allowed alternative methods to serve the subpoena. After that, Wexner’s lawyers asked the court to cancel it. The judge denied that request and ordered Wexner to sit for a deposition within 60 days.
A spokesperson for Wexner declined to comment on the latest ruling.
Epstein Ties and Additional Scrutiny
Wexner, founder of L Brands, once had a business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who later faced federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial.
In 2019, Wexner’s legal team said federal prosecutors informed him that he was not considered a co conspirator or target in any investigation involving Epstein. His attorneys said he cooperated with authorities and was not contacted again.
Separately, Wexner has also been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee. He is scheduled to testify about his past connection to Epstein.
Political Figures Also Under Question
Rep. Jim Jordan, R Ohio, who served as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State during part of Strauss’ tenure, was deposed last year in the civil case against the university. Some former wrestlers have accused Jordan of ignoring signs of abuse. However, he has repeatedly denied any knowledge of misconduct.
His office recently reiterated that he never saw or heard of abuse and would have acted if he had.
For the survivors, the judge’s decision represents progress. They say sworn testimony from powerful figures is necessary to uncover the full truth and secure accountability.
