Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen has responded to allegations of mistreatment made by team cheerleaders regarding a 2013 trip to Costa Rica. 

Allen's statement was released through the team's official website:

"The Redskins organization is very concerned by the allegations involving our cheerleaders in the recent New York Times article. We are immediately looking into this situation and want to express how serious we take these allegations.  Based on the dialogue we've had with a number of current and former cheerleaders over the past 48 hours, we've heard very different first-hand accounts that directly contradict many of the details of the May 2 article. I can promise that once we have completed looking into this matter, if it is revealed that any of our employees acted inappropriately, those employees will face significant repercussions.  

"Our entire organization has great appreciation and respect for our cheerleaders. From the work they do in the local community, to visiting our troops abroad, and for always representing the Redskins organization in a first-class manner, these women are exemplary members of our organization and are worthy of our utmost respect. We are proud of these women and support them during this time. We will continue to take all necessary measures to create a safe and respectful work environment."

Per Juliet Macur of the New York Times, several former Washington cheerleaders were "required to be topless" for a photo shoot during the trip, and the team invited "a contingent of sponsors and FedEx suite holders" who were all men to attend. 

Nine of the 36 cheerleaders present were also told they were required to serve as personal escorts for the male sponsors during an evening outing to a nightclub. 

One of the cheerleaders said the Redskins "weren't putting a gun to our heads, but it was mandatory for us to go."

Stephanie Jojokian, director and choreographer of the Redskins' cheerleading squad, denied the nightclub outing was mandatory and said male sponsors didn't pick specific women to accompany them.