The State Department watchdog is looking into allegations that NFL owner and Trump ambassador for the United Kingdom Robert Wood Johnson made racist and sexist comments towards staff and sought to use his government to push # DonaldTrump’s personal business in the UK.
According to CNN, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson is a billionaire NFL owner who also works alongside Trump as an ambassador for the UK and has been the top messenger for Trump since August 2017. Now, he is accused of making racist and sexist comments, including questioning why the Black community celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth and made generalizations about Black people as a whole, said three sources and a diplomat, who is aware of the complaints that have been made to the State Department inspector general. A source called Johnson’s remarks, “cringeworthy.”
“He’s said some pretty sexist, racist,” said the diplomat who is close the matter. CNN reports that Johnson has not denied the allegations. The White House also did not comment on the allegations against Johnson. A State Department spokesperson called Johnson “a valued member of the team who has led Mission UK honorably and professionally.” However, on Wednesday, a House Foreign Affairs Committee aide told CNN that Chairman Eliot Engel “has instructed the Committee to look into this matter, and we will be seeking information from the State Department in the days ahead.”
The investigation stems from a slew of inappropriate and offensive comments Johnson made. Diplomats told investigators that ahead of a Black History Month, back in 2018, Johnson was frustrated and asked if the audience would be “a whole bunch of Black people.” Johnson then said the “real challenge” with Black families is absent Black fathers. Johnson also allegedly said that he liked working with women because they are cheaper and work harder than men. He has vocalized not wanting to attend or be a part of women-led events.
Johnson has also been accused of trying to have major golf tournament, The Open, held at Trump’s Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Johnson reportedly asked which British government he would need to contact to make that business arrangement happen. However, a UK government spokesperson said Johnson “made no request” regarding any sporting event. “The previous Secretary of State for Scotland had an introductory meeting with the US Ambassador in early 2018. A number of issues were discussed, reflecting the close cultural and economic ties between Scotland and the USA. Mr. Johnson made no request of Mr. Mundell regarding the British Open or any other sporting event,” the spokesperson said. The New York Times was the first to report the story. In addition to being the UK ambassador for Trump, Johnson is also one of the owners of the New York Jets and is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune.
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