She wrote that Baylor’s counsel has traveled to France to speak with a witness to the conversation, referring to Urdaneta. Livingstone said one witness stated Willis never used the language, while another witness said he did.

“In accordance with due process, and out of fairness to everyone involved, we will continue our investigation until all reasonable avenues are exhausted to determine whether the alleged statements were made,” she wrote. “Once the investigation is complete, we will act quickly and decisively if these alleged comments were indeed said.”

Riddle said he and his co-counsel, Waco-area attorney Jon Ker, listened in by phone when Baylor interviewed Urdaneta in France, where the businessman lives. Riddle said Urdaneta confirmed Klepper’s account of the evening.

Baylor spokesman Jason Cook said the school is not in a position to speculate on potential consequences for Willis until the investigation is complete. Willis has been a major donor to Baylor, and the Willis Family Equestrian Center at Baylor is named for him.

Waco attorney Jim Dunnam, who represents 15 women suing Baylor under Title IX, said he has had this information for weeks, but he has opted not to publicize it until Willis could face a deposition.