INGLEWOOD, Calif. (KNX) — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has faced backlash after being photographed maskless at Sunday's NFC title game at SoFi Stadium.
Garcetti was photographed with Lakers veteran Magic Johnson, both unmasked, during Sunday's matchup between the L.A. Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Gov. Gavin Newsom also took a photo unmasked with Johnson during the game.
Both photos went viral, sparking widespread public reaction, as under L.A. County rules, fans attending the games were supposed to wear masks at all times when not eating or drinking.
Responding to criticism Wednesday, the mayor said he held his breath whenever removing his mask during the event.
"I'm used to criticism as a public figure, I've been wearing a mask the entire game long," Garcetti said at a press conference on Wednesday. "People want a picture, I hold my breath. Zero risk. I probably won't do it anymore because it's a distraction."
The mayor then proceeded to demonstrate how he holds his breath for unmasked photos.
Russ Simons, a senior vice president for campus and facility operations for SoFi Stadium, said Wednesday that the mask mandate at the Super Bowl would be fully enforced.
"That doesn't mean you buy a bucket of popcorn and eat it for two hours. Actively eating and drinking," he warned. "We're on to you."
