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UPDATE (7/22): NYCFC has come out with a statement that reads “New York City Football Club has learned of the allegations made by a former intern by seeing them on social media. We take this matter extremely seriously and do not tolerate harassment of any kind in any areas of our organization. We immediately launched an investigation into the matter.”
The New York City Football Club's statement on recent allegations #NYCFC @NYCFC #MLS @MLS pic.twitter.com/uVLuJuQUNY
— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) July 22, 2020
Original story: New York City FC is no stranger to controversy. Whether it be as trivial as the field they play on or as serious as claims of a white supremacist presence in their supporter groups, the club just seems to be a magnet for drama.
But this most recent bout of controversy is quite concerning considering how shocking in nature it is.
A woman by the name of Skyler B on Twitter — a former club intern — has come forward with accusations of sexual harassment levied against former NYCFC star David Villa. The allegations say that Villa inappropriately touched her on several occasions and that the culture within the working environment at NYCFC was toxic. The full Twitter thread can be found below.
The harassment I went through at NYCFC was so bad that now the idea of professional sports terrifies me. Staying in the field of athletics terrifies me. I’m changing my entire career because the shit they did to me ruined my dreams.
— Skyler B (@ItsmeskylerB) July 17, 2020
I thought I was getting the opportunity of a life time when I got that internship. What I got was David Villa touching me every fucking day and my bosses thinking it was great comedic material. Women brave enough to tell their stories this loudly are my heroes. Someday.
— Skyler B (@ItsmeskylerB) July 17, 2020
I still find it hilarious that I was constantly told I had a terrible attitude at that job like I wasn’t showing up everyday knowing I was gonna be groped or mocked or two hand shoved in the back. Of fucking course I had a bad attitude!!
— Skyler B (@ItsmeskylerB) July 17, 2020
As of right now — July 21, 2020 — neither Villa or NYCFC have responded to the allegations. If these claims — which should absolutely be taken seriously — are found to be true, Villa stands to take a hit to what many would consider to be an immaculate legacy, both on the pitch and off.
David Villa was NYCFC’s first-ever signing in 2014 and played for the club from 2015 through the 2018 season, logging 77 goals in 117 appearances. From there, the Spanish striker finished his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe before forming his own USL club Queensboro FC in Queens, New York last year.
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