US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, who was known for advocating for the rights of farm workers, has been accused of sexual abuse.
Dolores Huerta said in the 1960s, Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union (UFW) with her, once manipulated and pressured her into having sex, and on another occasion forced her.
These allegations follow an investigation published by the New York Times detailing claims from Huerta and two other women, stating that Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls involved in the labor movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
In a statement, Chavez's family expressed being devastated by the reports and praised the women's courage to come forward.
Chavez, who died in 1993 at the age of 66, was a prominent figure in rallying California's farm workers since the 1950s, advocating for improved working conditions.
In her statement, Huerta, now 95, revealed that the encounters with Chavez resulted in pregnancies that she chose to keep secret, arranging for the children to be raised by other families. I carried this secret for as long as I did because building the movement and securing farmworker rights was my life's work, she shared.
Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas, both 66, recounted experiencing sexual abuse from Chavez during their adolescence from around 1972 to 1977.
The allegations have triggered the cancellation and renaming of various events celebrating Cesar Chavez Day, which occurs annually on March 31. The UFW announced its withdrawal from the celebrations, stating it has not received any direct reports regarding the allegations.
In light of the gravity of these claims, California Governor Gavin Newsom remarked that the labor movement is much bigger than one man and expressed support for the women coming forward. He mentioned openness to renaming Cesar Chavez Day.
Republican assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo filed legislation to change the designation of Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworker Day.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the need for systemic change in the face of such abuse, recognizing it as part of a broader problem. The civil rights organization, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), has issued statements emphasizing accountability irrespective of one's legacy.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation acknowledged the disturbing allegations and expressed its shock and sadness, committing to support those impacted and respond appropriately to the allegations.
