Questions Mount Over Les Wexner’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein as His Name Remains Prominent at Ohio State

Les Wexner’s long-standing philanthropic presence at Ohio State University and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein have resurfaced in the spotlight as newly released documents and victim accounts prompt renewed scrutiny. A 2003 note Wexner allegedly gave Epstein — reportedly featuring a hand-drawn sketch of a woman’s breasts — has become part of the mounting public interest in their relationship.

Wexner’s Enduring Presence On Campus

Across Ohio State’s expansive campus north of downtown Columbus, multiple facilities still bear Wexner’s name: the Wexner Center for the Arts, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Jewish Student Center and the Les Wexner Football Complex. Wexner’s portrait appears in university materials, and he continues to serve as chair of the Wexner Medical Center Board.

Alleged Ties To Epstein

Born in Dayton in 1937 to a Russian Jewish immigrant father, Wexner is a central figure in investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. The Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related files included multiple photographs of Wexner, and records indicate sustained financial and personal connections between the two men.

Critics emphasize a 1991 decision in which Wexner granted Epstein power of attorney over significant portions of his fortune — a move that, according to observers, increased Epstein’s access to wealth, property transactions and influential social circles. An FBI document from 2019 reportedly listed Wexner as a possible co-conspirator, though he has never been criminally charged.

New Albany, Property Links And Allegations

Much reporting about the relationship centers on New Albany, Ohio, an affluent suburb east of Columbus that Wexner helped develop. Wexner’s 340-acre estate contains multiple residences and equestrian facilities; Ghislaine Maxwell once described it as “one of the biggest private homes I’ve ever been to.”

Epstein owned at least two New Albany properties: a 3,500 sq ft house near the country club that county records show was sold to Abigail Wexner in 2007 for $0, and a secluded mansion reportedly purchased from a company tied to Wexner and others for $3.5 million in 1992 and later sold in 1998. In 1998 Epstein was named co-president of the New Albany Company alongside Wexner.

Artist Maria Farmer alleges she was sexually assaulted by Epstein at the secluded New Albany residence in the summer of 1996 while serving as an artist-in-residence arranged by Epstein. Farmer’s complaint, filed last year, says she was threatened by local officials and others connected to the estate and that an FBI agent who took her 1996 report hung up without follow-up. Farmer’s lawyers say she did not interact with Wexner while at the property.

Victim Allegations And Wexner’s Response

Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, alleged she was trafficked to multiple powerful men and included allegations involving Wexner — claims he denies. Wexner’s attorneys state he was unaware of and never participated in Epstein’s criminal conduct; Wexner has said Epstein stole millions from him and that he severed ties in 2007. He also says he cooperated with the FBI.

Despite denials, some correspondence and records — including the alleged 2003 birthday note and property transactions — have fueled public questions about the depth and duration of their relationship. Maxwell told prosecutors that Epstein "ran New Albany," further linking the town to Epstein’s influence.

Legal And Political Developments

Wexner has not been charged with a crime, but he has been named in litigation and is reportedly scheduled for a deposition before an oversight committee. California Congressman Ro Khanna recently cited Wexner among previously redacted names in the trove of Epstein documents.

Survivors of Ohio State’s long-running abuse scandal involving former physician Richard Strauss have sought to subpoena Wexner as part of their investigation into the university’s handling of Strauss’s employment. Lawyers report difficulties serving subpoenas to Wexner’s residence, and Ohio State legal counsel has contested motions seeking his deposition.

Philanthropy, Reputation And Calls For Accountability

Wexner and his Limited Brands Foundation have given hundreds of millions of dollars to Ohio State over decades. That financial legacy — and the university’s reliance on large donors amid enrollment declines and budget pressures — complicates debate over whether to remove Wexner’s name from buildings. An independent review found that Epstein and the J. Epstein Foundation gave funds to Ohio State and that millions were funneled to the university through Wexner and intermediaries; university officials say some donations were redirected to a state human trafficking fund.

State representatives, including Munira Abdullahi, have called for investigations and for Ohio State to consider removing Wexner’s name from campus facilities. The university maintains that stripping a naming designation is a "serious step" to be taken only under exceptional circumstances; it recently declined a request to remove Wexner’s name from a football practice facility.

Ongoing Fallout

Ohio State has paid more than $60 million to 296 survivors of abuse by Richard Strauss, the university says. Meanwhile, the institution prepares to open a new 26-story University Hospital building whose upper floors will house a maternity ward — and where Wexner’s name remains prominently displayed.

“Mr. Wexner was unaware of, and was never a participant in, any of the abhorrent behavior engaged in by Epstein against Epstein’s victims,” Wexner’s attorneys have said. Wexner has said he feels "sorry" for the situation surrounding Epstein and maintains he cooperated with investigators.

The story is evolving as additional documents and testimony become public. Questions about Wexner’s relationship with Epstein, property dealings in New Albany, and the ongoing legal and reputational consequences for Ohio State are likely to continue as investigations proceed.