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US ambassador to UK Woody Johnson says claims he made racist and sexist remarks as ‘false’

US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson likened it to allowing a kleptomaniac into the home: Getty Images
US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson likened it to allowing a kleptomaniac into the home: Getty Images

The US ambassador to the UK has denied reports he made “insensitive” remarks about race and gender.

US officials have investigated Woody Johnson after he made “generalisations about black men” and “cringeworthy” comments about the appearances of women, CNN reported.

But Mr Johnson claimed online that the accusations were false.

He tweeted: “These false claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values.”

The CNN report also alleged Mr Johnson sought to advance Donald Trump’s business interests by lobbying politicians for The Open Championship to be played at the president's Turnberry golf course.

He also appeared to dismiss that claim, writing online: “I have followed the ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times.”

Mr Johnson has been Washington’s ambassador in London since November 2017.

This week, he hosted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the capital.