Overview

Leslie Hunter "Les" Whitten Jr. (February 21, 1928 – December 1, 2017) was an American investigative reporter and writer. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he built a reputation as a tenacious reporter in Washington and as a novelist and translator of French poetry, including work on Charles Baudelaire. His career combined reporting, fiction and literary translation, producing a body of work that crossed journalistic and literary boundaries.

Career and reporting

Whitten is perhaps best known for his role on the Washington Merry-Go-Round, the influential syndicated column run by Jack Anderson that exposed political scandals and government misconduct. Working in that environment, he investigated a range of topics tied to public accountability and national affairs. His style was direct and often provocative, reflecting the combative posture investigative writers sometimes adopt when probing powerful institutions.

Writing, fiction and translations

Alongside journalism, Whitten published fiction and translated French poetry. His translations and literary interests show a broader cultural engagement beyond daily reporting, and his fiction drew on crime, intrigue and the darker side of political life. This dual career — journalist and literary writer — placed Whitten among writers who moved between reporting facts and crafting narrative across genres.

Encounters with federal authorities

During his career Whitten experienced confrontations with U.S. authorities: he was arrested by the FBI at one point, and at other times his activities were monitored by intelligence agencies. These incidents reflect mid-20th-century tensions between investigative journalists and government organizations concerned about leaks, sources and classified information.

Legacy and significance

Whitten is remembered as a persistent investigative reporter who helped shape a period of vigorous watchdog journalism. Colleagues and readers regarded him as part of a generation that pushed for greater transparency in government. His combination of reportage, fiction and translation demonstrates the varied pursuits of a journalist who engaged both public affairs and literary culture.

  • Born: February 21, 1928, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Died: December 1, 2017, Adelphi, Maryland; cause reported as sepsis
  • Notable association: Washington Merry-Go-Round (with Jack Anderson)