State Department Seeks Further Review of Woody Johnson Allegations

 The State Department Office of the Inspector General is recommending further investigation take place into allegations about New York Jets owner Robert "Woody" Johnson, who is the Ambassador to the United Kingdom. 

Last month, allegations surfaced that Johnson had made inappropriate remarks to staffers about race and  women. Earlier this week, the State Department Office of the Inspector General released a 43-page dossier that both "downplays" the allegations, and also criticizes the Jets owner for creating a work environment where staffers were "impacted by the Ambassadors demanding, hard driving work style and it had a negative impact on morale." To read the full report click here!!  

 The report also notes that Johnson grew "frustrated with what he interpreted to be excessive caution and resistance to suggestions about which he felt strongly," and questioned the intentions of those involved, hinting at replacing people. CNN reported that things "improved" when a new Deputy Chief of Mission arrived. CNN story.

 Bottom line is the OIG recommended that further research into the issues continue, but the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs disagreed. In fact of the 12 recommendations, this was the only disagreement. The BEEA said that Johnson had reviewed the Office Civil Rights on workplace harassment and do not believe a formal assessment was needed, although they recommended steps be taken to assure a "heightened awareness of issues."

The watchdog, or OIG, considers the matter unresolved. As has been pointed out by both CNN and Rich Cimini of ESPN NY it is unclear how long it will take resolve this issue. Johnson is scheduled to leave the post by the end of the year, even if President Trump should win or lose the November General Election. 

Johnson has denied the allegations, saying he "regrets" if he has offended anyone, but, "I do not accept that I treated employees with disrespect or discrimination in any way." 

Johnson was accused last month of questioning the purpose of Black History Month, and questioned the impact black fathers have on their families. He also allegedly made remarks about the appearance of women at the embassy and public events, and allegedly said he rather work with women because they are cheaper. 

Johnson also got into a battle with the OIG, Michael Horowitz, over pursuing a move of the British Open to Trump's UK golf course upon the Presidents bequest, a move that was decried by the OIG. 

Horowitz has been the State Department Inspector General since 2015 when he was appointed by then President Barack Obama. Horowitz also led the investigation into wrongdoing by the FBI and James Comey back in 2017.