Ohio Billionaire Les Wexner's Epstein Connections Under Fresh Spotlight
Les Wexner, the Ohio retail billionaire, finds himself at the centre of renewed scrutiny following the unredaction of his name from a trove of Jeffrey Epstein files. Wexner, born in Dayton in 1937 to a Russian Jewish immigrant father, is a pivotal figure in the rise of the convicted sex trafficker Epstein. The recent release of documents by the Department of Justice includes at least half a dozen photos of Wexner, fuelling ongoing investigations.
Critics argue that by granting Epstein power of attorney over his vast wealth in 1991, Wexner played a crucial role in bolstering Epstein's social standing and influence among global elites. With more Epstein data yet to be disclosed, observers anticipate further evidence of their close association in the coming months.
Political and Legal Ramifications Unfold
Donald Trump's past relationship with Epstein adds a political dimension, as Democrats accuse the Trump administration of attempting to obscure presidential ties ahead of midterm elections. Trump claims he severed connections with Epstein in 2007. Meanwhile, Wexner, now 88, denies any knowledge of Epstein's abuses, asserts cooperation with the FBI, and maintains he cut ties in 2007, alleging Epstein stole millions from him.
Despite being named as a potential co-conspirator by the FBI in 2019, Wexner has faced no charges. However, an email from Wexner to Epstein just days before Epstein's 2008 guilty plea expressed sympathy, reading, "All I can say is I feel sorry. Always be careful." Recently, California congressman Ro Khanna listed Wexner among six previously redacted names in the Epstein files, where the FBI indicated him as a co-conspirator, leading to a scheduled deposition before an oversight committee.
New Albany: A Model Town Shrouded in Silence
In the early 1990s, New Albany was a quiet suburb of 1,600 residents amidst cornfields. Today, it's a affluent community shaped by Wexner, featuring his 340-acre estate with mansions and equestrian facilities. Epstein owned at least two properties here, including a home sold to Wexner's wife for $0 in 2007 and a mansion purchased from a Wexner-linked company in 1992.
Epstein was named co-president of the New Albany Company alongside Wexner in 1998. At one Epstein property, artist Maria Farmer alleges she was sexually assaulted by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 1996, with her lawyers claiming the FBI ignored her report. Farmer had no direct interactions with Wexner, but Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein victim, alleged trafficking to Wexner, which he denies.
Wexner's spokesperson stated he had no prior knowledge of Farmer, and a 2019 message to associates condemned Epstein's behavior. Yet, a 2003 birthday note from Wexner to Epstein, featuring a drawing of a woman's breasts, suggests intimacy, with Maxwell noting Epstein "ran New Albany." Local residents and officials largely avoid commenting on Wexner's ties.
Ohio State University Grapples with Donor Controversy
Wexner's influence extends prominently to Ohio State University, where his name adorns facilities like the Wexner Center for the Arts and the Wexner Medical Center. As a 1959 graduate and major donor through his Limited Brands Foundation, Wexner has contributed hundreds of millions. However, the university faces reputational risks as it navigates a sexual abuse scandal involving former employee Richard Strauss from the 1990s, when Wexner served on the board.
Survivors seek to subpoena Wexner regarding Strauss's employment, but delivery attempts have been thwarted. State representative Munira Abdullahi criticises the university's ties, calling for investigations into Wexner's Epstein connections. A 2020 review found Epstein donated hundreds of thousands to Ohio State, with Wexner channelling millions more through him, some redirected to Ohio's human trafficking fund.
Lawmakers plan a press conference demanding removal of Wexner's name from campus, though the university resists, citing narrow circumstances for such actions. Thus far, $60 million has been paid to 296 Strauss survivors, with ongoing litigation. Amidst this, Ohio State opens a new hospital with Wexner's name prominently displayed, highlighting the enduring complexity of his legacy.
