From the point of view of the company, it is indeed a very serious crime - "it" being admitting publicly that the company had retaliated.

Generally they are careful not to admit anything that can be used against them, or which can cause the stock's shares to slide. There must have been such serious and well documented retaliations, that he felt he could not deny it.

I know I a being cynical, but looking at the fast and loose the way they have played with people's lives invites such an attitude.

What do you mean crickets? It just happened. Stop being so cynical.

The admission occurred in the context of a congressional hearing, which means things are already happening.