US civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez, who was known for advocating for the rights of farm workers, has been accused of s£xual 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.
“The first time I was manipulated and pressured into having s£x with him, and I didn’t feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to,” Huerta said in a statement published online. “The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped.”
Huerta first revealed her allegations of the s£xual ass@ult to the New York Times, which published an investigation on Wednesday of allegations by her and two other women, who said they were 13 and 15 when Chavez first sexually molested them.
The newspaper said it relied on interviews with more than 60 people, including former top aides, relatives, and former members of the United Farm Workers. It also combed union records, confidential emails, photographs, and recordings of U.F.W. board meetings.
Multiple events to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, a commemorative holiday that takes place on 31 March, have been cancelled or renamed.
In a statement, the UFW said it was cancelling its participation in the celebrations.
The union added that it had “not received any direct reports” and “do not have any firsthand knowledge” of the allegations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said the farm workers movement and labour movement “are much bigger than one man”, and that he stands with “the courageous women” like Huerta.
At a separate event, he said he was open to renaming Cesar Chavez Day in California.
Republican assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, of California, has also filed legislation to change the holiday’s name to Farmworker Day.
“The sickening reality is that what Dolores, Ana, and Debra endured is not isolated, nor is it of the past,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, demanding sustained action to dismantle structures that have hurt women.
The allegations have prompted widespread condemnation, including from the civil rights organisation, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
“No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others,” LULAC said in a statement.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation said it is aware of “disturbing allegations” that its founder had engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour with women and minors during his time as president of the UFW.
The foundation said it is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the allegations, and is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement “to be responsive to these allegations” and support those who may have been harmed.
Chavez, who was Mexican American, is one of the most celebrated and recognized Latinos in modern U.S. history and an inspiration to generations who credit his work with inspiring their own activism and causes. He died in 1993.
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