Ohio State University is once again in the national spotlight, this time over allegations surrounding Dr. Mark Landon, a high-profile gynecologist at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center. Landon’s name appeared in the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, showing he received thousands of dollars in consulting payments from Epstein’s New York Strategy Group between 2001 and 2005.
According to NBC, university officials confirmed they are investigating Landon, who chairs OSU’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and specializes in high-risk pregnancies. A spokesperson said Landon is cooperating fully and maintains he did not know about Epstein’s criminal activities. “I did not provide any clinical care for Jeffrey Epstein or any of his victims,” Landon stated in a university-issued release. “I was a paid consultant… I had no knowledge of any criminal activities; I find them reprehensible and I feel terrible for Epstein’s victims.”
The payments, detailed in emails and receipts found in the Epstein files, totaled roughly $120,000 per year. While Landon insists his consulting work did not involve patient care, the association has sparked outrage among Ohio citizens and alumni who say the university has a long history of shielding powerful figures.
Online discussions on Reddit and other forums show the public is not buying Landon’s explanations. “C’mon he knew $120,000 a year from Epstein/Wexner? He’s immoral, not dumb,” one user wrote. Another added, “Ever since OSU started suspending or expelling students protesting genocide, I have zero confidence they will do the right thing. OSU will probably promote this guy.”
Many citizens pointed to the broader context of accountability at OSU. “Keep digging, OSU. You’re so close,” a Reddit commenter urged, while others drew parallels to previous scandals, such as the Dr. Richard Strauss sexual abuse cover-up and, more recently, the assault charges facing Assistant Professor Luke Perez. “Unfortunately this isn’t dominos, just a bunch of people who are adjacent to the central figures involved… Can you imagine if we hold the powerful accountable?” one user wrote.
Critics also noted the uncomfortable timing of Landon’s involvement with university facilities, including donor recognition in new hospital lounges. “He’s also a donor for one of the visitor lounges at the new hospital building opening next week… the timing was pretty awkward,” a commenter observed.
For many Ohioans, the situation raises familiar questions about transparency, accountability, and the university’s willingness to confront its powerful affiliates. As investigations continue, public pressure is mounting for OSU to demonstrate that it will not allow another high-profile figure to escape scrutiny.
“EatFishKatie: He was treating children without their parents consent… And you want to claim he had no idea what was going on? That’s BS,” wrote one outraged forum user, encapsulating the skepticism and fury simmering across the state.
Once again, Ohio citizens are watching closely, demanding answers from an institution that seems, time and again, to find itself under fire.
