Daniel Snyder responds to new allegations from former Washington employees
Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is facing more allegations of sexual misconduct from former team employees, but he continues to maintain his innocence.
Six former Washington employees spoke with the U.S. House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee in a hearing on Thursday. The committee was formed due to the belief that the NFL was not transparent with its investigation into Snyder’s team and helped cover up instances of workplace misconduct. One of the alleged victims, former Washington Redskins cheerleader and marketing manager Tiffani A. Johnston, said she was “strategically” seated next to Snyder at a company dinner during which he sexually assaulted her.
According to opening statements that were shared by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, Johnston said Snyder touched her on the thigh in a sexual manner until she “physically removed” his hand. Later that night, Johnston claims Snyder “aggressively pushed” her toward his limo before his attorney intervened and told him it was a “very bad idea.”
Details of some previous allegations were laid out on Thursday as well. Brad Baker, a former video production manager, said he and other staffers were “told to edit together lewd footage” of Washington cheerleaders from a calendar shoot documentary. The footage, which was allegedly compiled at the request of Snyder, showed cheerleaders’ nude breasts and genitals.
Melanie Coburn, a former Redskins cheerleader and director of marketing, described the video as “essentially a soft-porn video, soundtracked to Dan Snyder’s favorite bands.”
Coburn also said she was once invited to Snyder’s home in Colorado for an “awards trip” dinner. During the event, she claims she was told to remain in the basement “because the men had invited prostitutes back.”
Snyder issued a statement reiterating that he regrets the misconduct that took place within the organization in the past. However, he vehemently denied the allegations against him personally.
“While past conduct at the Team was unacceptable, the allegations leveled against me personally in today’s roundtable — many of which are well over 13 years old — are outright lies,” Snyder said. “I unequivocally deny having participated in any such conduct, at any time and with respect to any person.”
Snyder paid a huge settlement years ago that stemmed from a separate instance of alleged sexual misconduct in 2009.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports