Former OSU Board Member Ordered to Testify in Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Les Wexner must provide deposition in federal case against Ohio State University

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A federal court has ordered former Ohio State University board member Leslie Wexner to testify in lawsuits accusing the school of enabling sex abuse by former campus doctor Richard Strauss. Wexner, who is not a defendant or plaintiff in the cases, argued he has no knowledge of the matter, but the judges ruled his testimony may shed light on what the OSU board knew about the allegations against Strauss.

Why it matters

The Strauss sex abuse scandal has rocked Ohio State University, leading to multiple lawsuits from former students. Wexner's testimony could provide key insights into what the university's leadership knew about the allegations and when, which could impact the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The details

The federal court denied Wexner's motion to quash the deposition subpoena, ordering him to participate in a deposition within 60 days. The judges stated that given Wexner's lengthy tenure on the OSU board, including as vice chairman and chairman, his testimony may reveal what the board knew about the allegations against Strauss and what actions, if any, they took in response.

  • On January 13, 2026, a subpoena was issued for Wexner to provide a deposition.
  • On February 12, 2026, the federal court denied Wexner's motion to quash the deposition subpoena and ordered him to participate within 60 days.

The players

Leslie Wexner

A former member of the Ohio State University Board of Trustees, including serving as vice chairman and chairman of the full board, as well as positions on the board's personnel committee.

Richard Strauss

A former Ohio State University doctor accused of sexually abusing at least 177 male student-athletes during his time at the university from 1978 to 1998. Strauss died by suicide in 2005, preventing him from being tried in court.

Ohio State University

The defendant in three federal lawsuits filed by former students related to the sex abuse allegations against former campus doctor Richard Strauss.

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What they’re saying

“Given the timing and length of Mr. Wexner's tenure on the OSU Board of Trustees, including his time as vice chairman and chairman of the full board, as well as ranking positions on the board's personnel committee, plaintiffs are entitled to discover what Mr. Wexner knew about Dr. Stauss and when he knew it.”

— Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers and District Judge Michael Watson, Federal Judges (UPI)

“Mr. Wexner's testimony may also illuminate what the board did to monitor OSU's sexual harassment compliance. If Mr. Wexner or the board had no knowledge about allegations surrounding Dr. Strauss, this would be evidence of OSU's deliberate indifference.”

— Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers and District Judge Michael Watson, Federal Judges (UPI)

What’s next

The judges have ordered Wexner to participate in a deposition within 60 days, which could provide key evidence in the ongoing lawsuits against Ohio State University.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of university leadership being held accountable for their knowledge and actions, or lack thereof, regarding allegations of sexual abuse on campus. Wexner's testimony could shed light on what the OSU board knew and when, which could significantly impact the outcome of the lawsuits against the university.