Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert is urging the Department of Justice to investigate the Washington Nationals after an undercover video showed a team executive appearing to acknowledge differential treatment of pitcher Trevor Williams following his public criticism of a drag group that has drawn objections from Catholic leaders.
The video, recorded by Project Veritas founder James O’Keefe, features Nationals Director of Community Relations Sean Hudson discussing the organization’s handling of Williams in social‑media promotions.
Boebert sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon requesting a federal civil‑rights investigation. She said the footage raises concerns about potential religious discrimination within the Nationals organization and across Major League Baseball.
“According to the reporting by James O’Keefe, it appears the Washington Nationals are engaged in unlawful religious discrimination,” Boebert said in a statement. “I urge the DOJ to take immediate and decisive action.”
The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter. A spokesperson said, “The Department is reviewing the matter and will evaluate all appropriate next steps. As always, we remain committed to enforcing federal law and protecting civil rights.”
The video shows Hudson describing Williams as “super Catholic” and acknowledging that the team avoids featuring him in certain promotional content. He referenced Williams’ public objections to the Los Angeles Dodgers honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during the team’s 2023 Pride Night. Williams had said the group’s performance was “deeply offensive” and targeted sacred Catholic traditions.
Hudson said in the recording, “Because of that we don’t use him on social [media]. When they’re like ‘is a hot dog a sandwich’ and the players come up, we don’t ask him.” He also described himself as “far‑left leaning,” referenced a Communist Party poster in his office, and discussed using baseball games to promote political messages.
The Nationals responded to the video by distancing the organization from Hudson’s comments. “The statements are not only factually incorrect, but do not reflect the views, opinions or actions of the Washington Nationals,” a spokesperson said. “The Nationals are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our players, fans and staff, and we vehemently deny any allegations to the contrary.” The team has since terminated Hudson’s employment, according to reporting from the New York Post.
Boebert said Hudson’s remarks raise questions about whether the franchise violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on religion. “Americans of faith should not face professional repercussions for objecting to the mockery of their sacred traditions,” she wrote on X. “MLB’s privileged legal position should not become a license for exclusionary practices.”
Williams has said he spoke out knowing it could affect his career. “If you don’t draw the line in the sand, who’s gonna do it?” he said in an interview last year.
A formal response from the DOJ is expected after the agency completes its initial review of the allegations
