George Clooney Producing Docuseries Alleging Jim Jordan Ignored Sexual Abuse Claims at Ohio State
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Getty Images, Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
George Clooney is producing a docuseries about the decades-long sexual abuse scandal in the athletic department at The Ohio State University, where Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was once an assistant coach of the wrestling team.
The series will be based on an October 2020 Sports Illustrated article by writer Jon Wertheim, who detailed allegations of sexual abuse against former Ohio State sports doctor Richard Strauss and how officials at the university failed to respond.
Wertheim’s article alleges that Jordan, who was the assistant coach of the Ohio State wrestling team from 1987 to 1995, played a major role in participating in the scandal’s cover up.
The article includes an account from former Ohio State wrestler and UFC fighter Mark Coleman, who claims that Jordan knowingly ignored Strauss’ abuse.
The docuseries will explore allegations that the university ignored thousands of instances of sexual assault during Strauss’ nearly 20-year tenure, including claims that he drugged and raped athletes during physical exams.
Strauss, who was never charged, committed suicide in 2005.
Former Ohio State wrestler Mike DiSabato told CNN in 2018, “I know Jim knew about what I called the deviant sexual atmosphere that we were exposed to.”
Multiple other Ohio State wrestlers have also accused Jordan of turning a blind eye to alleged molestation by Strauss.
Jordan has denied that he was ever “told about any type of abuse.”
“This article uncovers the most widespread sexual abuse scandal in the history of American higher education,” said Wertheim, who will be an executive producer of the series. “It is a story about power, abuse, enabling and the hierarchy of college sports that had been concealed for far too long.”
Clooney and his producing partner Grant Heslov said in a statement, “We’re very pleased to partner with 101 Studios and Sports Illustrated in bringing this devastating and tragic story to light.”
