Several Los Angeles leaders are reacting to the New York Times’ report on the abuse and sexual assault allegations made against Cesar Chavez.
The New York Times interviewed over 60 people and compiled hundreds of pages of records, emails, and writings that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young women and minors who worked in the movement.
In a statement, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass praised Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, and Debra Rojas, adding that she honors “their strength and that of every woman and girl horrifically harmed by those in power.”
“The sickening reality is that what Dolores, Ana, and Debra endured is not isolated, nor is it of the past,” the statement continued. “Real progress requires more than moments of reckoning – it demands sustained action to dismantle social, cultural, economic, and political structures that have hurt women throughout our history.”
Bass concluded by saying that Chavez’s crimes “do not diminish the courage of farm workers and workers everywhere who fight for their rights, equality for Latinos, and a stronger nation for everyone.”
I am keeping Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, and Debra Rojas in my heart, and I honor their strength and that of every woman and girl horrifically harmed by those in power.
The sickening reality is that what Dolores, Ana, and Debra endured is not isolated, nor is it of the past.…
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) March 18, 2026
In her statement, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn also praised Heurta and the women who spoke out, adding, “What matters most now is that we listen and support them as well as any other woman who suffered this abuse.”
"For those of us who grew up admiring the farmworker movement, today's news is heartbreaking,” the statement continued. “But as in any other civil rights movement, men were only half the story. The abuses of one man will never diminish the extraordinary sacrifices, accomplishments, and legacy of the women of the farmworker movement. It's time we put them first. I think it’s time to change the name of our March public holiday to ‘Farmworker Day’ in Los Angeles County.”
I'm horrified by the abuse we now know Dolores Huerta & other women suffered, but I'm moved by their incredible courage in telling their stories publicly all these years later.
What matters most now is we listen & support them as well as any other woman who suffered this abuse. https://t.co/kR5XgW73oF
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) March 18, 2026
Council member Monica Rodriguez told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener the report was a “punch in the gut.”
“ I think everyone is just reconciling with these facts as they're coming out,” she said. “I mean, it's devastating for the victims and the families and obviously just anyone who's ever been inspired by his work. These revelations are really just painful.”
Rodriguez said she thinks conversations regarding monuments named after Chavez and Cesar Chavez Day will be “forthcoming.”
Meanwhile, officials with the United Farm Workers Union say they will not take part in any upcoming Cesar Chavez Day events while they look into the claim.
Chavez died in 1993.
Cesar Chavez Day is on March 31st.
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