George Clooney Documentary Delves Into GOP Rep. Jim Jordan’s Role In The Ohio State Wrestling Team’s Sexual Abuse Scandal From Victims’ Perspective

A documentary film centered on the Ohio State University (OSU) sexual abuse scandal is currently in production and aims to bring renewed attention to the alleged role of then-OSU coach and current right-wing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). 

Produced by George Clooney and directed by Academy Award-winner Eva Orner, the untitled documentary will provide a comprehensive account of the decades-long abuse perpetrated by former OSU sports doctor Richard Strauss, as narrated by the victims, which include former All-American wrestlers and football players who have chosen to speak out for the first time.

Mike Schyck, one of the over 300 victims of Strauss’ abuse, recently told reporters that he was extensively interviewed by Orner and the production crew. Schyck expressed his hope that the documentary will have a profound impact on the current efforts to hold OSU accountable.

However, he noted that some cynically exploit the focus on Jordan’s involvement for political gain and divert attention from the survivors’ quest for justice.

The scandal centered around the OSU sexual abuse case has gained significant momentum in recent weeks and coincides with Jordan’s ill-fated campaign for the position of house speaker. Survivors argue that Jordan’s alleged participation in the culture of silence should disqualify him from the speakership position.

The release of the documentary, initially scheduled for the latter part of this year or early next year, has faced delays as the filmmakers continuously uncover new details about the scandal. Orner has been meticulous in her approach and promises to ensure that the final product reflects the most accurate and comprehensive account possible.

Survivors have been actively involved in the documentary’s production and sent boxes of photos, clippings and documents from their time at Ohio State to the filmmakers.

Schyck expressed his concern about the rush to solely criticize Jordan for his role in the culture of silence and emphasized that the abuse occurred over three decades and involved various assistant coaches who came and went.

Strauss, who died in 2005, was said to have sexually abused hundreds of students between the 1970s and 1990s.

OSU has acknowledged its failure to protect students and has already paid out $60 million to settle claims from nearly 300 victims. However, the university continues to fight against five lawsuits filed by dozens of other students. The Supreme Court ruled that these cases could proceed, despite the statute of limitations having expired.

The documentary has the potential to be regarded as one of the most egregious university sexual abuse scandals in U.S. history, alongside the case of Larry Nassar at Michigan State University. Michigan State has paid out over $500 million to Nassar’s victims. Nassar was recently stabbed in prison.

Based on Jon Wertheim‘s Sports Illustrated article, Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?, the documentary represents a collaboration between Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Sports Illustrated Studios/101 Studios.