Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal Exposed in New Documentary

A new HBO documentary, “Surviving Ohio State,” intensifies scrutiny on the university’s handling of the Dr. Richard Strauss sexual abuse scandal, alleging a cover-up and inequitable settlements with survivors. The film, which premiered at the tribeca film Festival in june 2025, casts a harsh light on events that occurred between 1978 and 1998, raising questions about institutional accountability and victim compensation.

Allegations of Cover-Up and Knowledge Among Coaches

The documentary, produced by George Clooney, features interviews with survivors who recount their experiences of abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, who was employed by Ohio State from 1978 to 1998. It further alleges that multiple coaches, including former Buckeyes wrestling coach Russ hellickson and U.S.Representative Jim jordan, were aware of Strauss’s actions. Both Hellickson and Jordan, along with members of the Ohio State board of trustees, reportedly declined to be interviewed for the film.

Otte Remenyik, the men’s fencing coach from 1978 to 1999, reported an incident where Strauss allegedly requested a genital exam to treat a student’s bleeding ear. Remenyik stated that her superiors dismissed her report as “rumors and hearsay,” requiring a student to come forward before taking action. Despite Remenyik’s support, no students from the fencing team filed a complaint.

Did You Know? Ohio State settled with 296 survivors for a combined $60 million, averaging about $250,000 per person.

Details of Abuse and Steroid Allegations

The documentary details disturbing accounts from wrestlers, including Dan Ritchie, who described unnecessary genital exams conducted by Strauss without gloves. Some wrestlers reported that Strauss would turn off the lights and use a flashlight during examinations, getting so close that they could feel his breath. Wrestlers also used nicknames for Strauss, such as “Dr. Fun Boy” and “Dr. Jelly Fingers.”

frederick feeney, a wrestling referee from 1988 to 2024, claimed that Strauss masturbated next to him in the shower and grabbed his butt. Feeney reported the incident to Jordan and Hellickson, but Jordan allegedly dismissed it, saying, “It’s Strauss, you know what he does.”

The film also portrays Strauss as an expert on steroids, featuring clips of him discussing steroid use by athletes on “Nightline.” Some interviewees suggested that Ohio State might have been hesitant to discipline Strauss if he was providing steroids to student athletes. One wrestler recalled receiving shots from Strauss before major matches.

Settlement Disparities and Legal Battles

the documentary highlights that the average settlements paid by ohio State to survivors are significantly lower than those in similar sex abuse scandals at other universities. According to the film, Ohio State has paid out around $250,000 per survivor, compared to approximately $1.5 million per survivor in the penn State/Jerry Sandusky case and $1.2 million per settlement in the Michigan state/Dr. Larry Nassar case.

Ohio State’s legal strategy, including an attempt to have lawsuits dismissed due to the statute of limitations, is also criticized in the documentary. The university took its case to the U.S. Supreme court in 2023, but the court declined to review a decision allowing more than 230 men to proceed with their lawsuit. A trial date could be set as early as 2026.

Pro Tip: Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial in sexual abuse cases, as it can significantly impact a survivor’s ability to seek justice.

Reactions and Future Implications

The documentary concludes with former Ohio State leaders apologizing to survivors at a board of trustees meeting. However, former athletes and an attorney argue that the university has not been cooperative behind closed doors. One plaintiff, Snyder-Hill, stated, “I’m a survivor of sexual assault, but I’m a victim of OSU,” criticizing the university’s handling of the scandal.

According to a 2024 study published in the journal *Trauma, Violence, & Abuse*, institutional betrayal, such as the alleged cover-up by Ohio State, can significantly exacerbate the long-term psychological trauma experienced by survivors of sexual abuse Trauma, Violence, & Abuse.

What steps should universities take to prevent and address sexual abuse on campus? How can institutions better support survivors and ensure fair compensation?

Disclaimer: This article provides data about a legal and sensitive topic. It is indeed not intended to provide legal or medical advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.

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