George Clooney’s HBO Documentary Sparks Political Turmoil Over Ohio State Abuse Scandal

George Clooney’s latest collaboration with HBO, Surviving Ohio State, dives into the decades-long sexual abuse scandal involving former university physician Richard Strauss, accused of assaulting over 300 athletes. Directed by Oscar winner Eva Orner, the film centers survivors’ voices while exposing institutional complicity.

But the documentary has triggered a political maelstrom.

President Donald Trump reportedly urged White House staff to “give Clooney a pass” on past allegations—including claims of retaliation against actress Vanessa Marquez. Staffers who resisted say they faced threats and retaliation. Meanwhile, Clooney remains defiant, stating his focus is on truth—not appeasement.

Representative Jim Jordan, who served as assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State during Strauss’s tenure, is a central figure in the film. Multiple survivors allege Jordan knew about the abuse and did nothing. Jordan declined to participate in the documentary, but his name surfaces repeatedly in survivor accounts. One wrestler recalls Jordan saying, “It’s Strauss. You know what he does”.

Jordan, now Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, had launched impeachment proceedings against President Biden, citing vague allegations of misconduct. His tactics include threats against prosecutors and efforts to discredit investigations into Trump’s legal troubles.

Adding fuel to the fire, newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi have issued sweeping law-and-order mandates:

• Patel pledged to pursue threats “in every corner of this planet,” regardless of identity or affiliation.
• Bondi issued 14 DOJ memos eliminating DEI programs, reinstating the federal death penalty, and warning staff that dissent could lead to termination.

Both officials emphasized that justice would be blind to political status—yet their current actions reflect a weaponized agenda.

Despite rumors, Surviving Ohio State is not a Netflix production. It premiered on HBO and is streaming on Max. The confusion may stem from its cinematic scope and Clooney’s Hollywood clout, but the platform is firmly HBO.

Promises made promises kept….