L.A. Chargers Star Sebastian Joseph-Day Accuses TSA of Sexual Assault

BY Erika Marie 1.7K Views
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Wild Card Round - Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 09: Sebastian Joseph-Day #69 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 09, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old football player was traveling through John Wayne Airport. "It was extremely unecessary and dehumanizing," he shared.

Attention is drawn to the Transportation Security Administration today (March 27) after Sebastian Joseph-Day made scathing accusations. The Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle took to his Twitter account to pen a lengthy thread about his alleged experience at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. "I really just got sexually assaulted by TSA at @JohnWayneAir," said Joseph-Day. "After I asked the gentleman to please stop BC 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."

The football star further added, "I’m all for people doing their job well. But it was extremely unnecessary and dehumanizing. I travel a lot, for personal and work reasons. I’ve never experienced anything like that @JohnWayneAir." Additionally, Joseph-Day said he had to "jump through hoops" just to file a complaint. He also addressed critics who called him out for making his story public. For the 28-year-old, it was important that the TSA agent who allegedly assaulted him be disciplined.

Sebastian Joseph-Day Gets A Response

Los Angeles Rams v Indianapolis Colts
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Sebastian Joseph-Day #69 of the Los Angeles Rams is seen after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Unsurprisingly, debates erupted on social media. TSA defenders made excuses for the administration, alleging that Joseph-Day must have exhibited behaviors that prompted probable cause. However, they were fiercely met with pushback from people who argued that TSA has long abused its authority. Meanwhile, the Chargers star didn't share any further details about his experience. The status of the investigation is unclear—and brand new—so there hasn't been much else revealed. However, the Transportation Security Administration released a statement to The Hill acknowledging the accusation.

“TSA is aware of allegations made by a traveler who was screened by TSA officers at John Wayne Orange County Airport Friday morning," the statement reportedly reads. "We are looking into the matter to determine if our procedures were followed and whether any corrective action needs to be taken." Joseph-Day has continued to defend himself on social media. He's unwavered by critics and even dropped off definitions of sexual assault for naysayers. Read through Sebastian Joseph-Day's tweets above.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.