Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day accused the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of sexually assaulting him late last week at an airport in California.
Joseph-Day said that the incident happened on Friday at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
“I really just got sexually assaulted by TSA at @JohnWayneAir,” he tweeted. “After I asked the gentleman to please stop [because] I’m uncomfortable and I feel that this part of the check is unnecessary (After he felt what was needed). Then they told me I was the problem after 3 TSA agents swarmed me.”
“I’m all for people doing their job well. But it was extremely unnecessary and dehumanizing,” he said. “I travel a lot, for personal and work reasons. I’ve never experienced anything like that @JohnWayneAir.”
Joseph-Day said that the TSA made it difficult for him to report the incident.
“And when I do try to file a complaint they are making me jump through hoops to do so,” he said. “I’m not sharing this on Twitter for sympathy. I’m sharing this so this group of gentleman and staff aren’t allowed to do this ever again to another human being.”
Officials said in a statement that they were aware of the incident and were looking into it.
”TSA is aware of allegations made by a traveler who was screened by TSA officers at John Wayne Orange County Airport Friday morning,” TSA said in a statement. “We are looking into the matter to determine if our procedures were followed and whether any corrective action needs to be taken.
“TSA remains committed to treating every traveler with dignity and respect while carrying out its security screening responsibilities,” the statement added.