Governor Defends Wexner Name on Buildings Despite Epstein Ties

Survivors say there is no 'old story' when it comes to sexual abuse

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has defended keeping Les Wexner's name on buildings, despite Wexner's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. DeWine called the Wexner-Epstein relationship an 'old story,' drawing criticism from sexual abuse survivors who say there is no such thing as an 'old story' when it comes to their experiences.

Why it matters

The Wexner-Epstein connection has raised questions about Wexner's knowledge and involvement in Epstein's crimes. As a prominent Ohio businessman and philanthropist, Wexner's legacy and the use of his name on public buildings is a sensitive issue, especially for survivors of sexual abuse.

The details

In a recent Dispatch article, Governor DeWine stated there is currently no evidence that Wexner did anything wrong, and called the Wexner-Epstein relationship an 'old story.' This drew criticism from sexual abuse survivors who say there is never an 'old story' when it comes to their experiences. While DeWine may have intended to say Epstein's crimes are not directly linked to Wexner, his phrasing was seen as discounting the realities that Epstein's survivors' stories are still very much alive and current.

  • On February 23, 2026, Governor DeWine made the comments about the Wexner-Epstein relationship being an 'old story'.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who defended keeping Les Wexner's name on buildings despite Wexner's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Les Wexner

A prominent Ohio businessman and philanthropist whose name is on several public buildings, despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had a relationship with Les Wexner.

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What they’re saying

“For survivors of sexual abuse, there is never an "old story" regarding their experience(s) of rape. The Wexner/Epstein story will never be old as long as any survivors are alive.”

— John M. Seryak, Reynoldsburg resident (The Dispatch)

“Our governor, along with all elected officials in authority, has a duty to support sexual abuse survivors and to let them know their "stories" will never be "old" or forgotten.”

— John M. Seryak, Reynoldsburg resident (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow further investigation into Wexner's potential involvement with Epstein.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for elected officials to be more sensitive when discussing issues related to sexual abuse, and to prioritize supporting survivors rather than potentially minimizing their experiences.