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. This comes after the New York Times published an investigation detailing allegations from Huerta and two other women, who stated that Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls within the labor movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
In a statement, his family expressed devastation over the reports and praised the women's courage to come forward.
Chavez, who died in 1993 at the age of 66, rallied California's farmworkers from the 1950s, leading national boycotts and marches to improve working conditions. Huerta, now 95, recounted that two encounters with Chavez resulted in pregnancies she chose to keep secret. More stories of abuse have emerged, with two other women sharing that they were abused by Chavez during childhood.
Responses to these allegations have resulted in numerous cancellations of events celebrating Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, as the UFW announced it was halting its participation in the celebrations. Governor Gavin Newsom remarked that the farmworkers' movement is larger than one individual and expressed support for the women who came forward. Additionally, legislative efforts to rename the holiday have surfaced.
LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, denounced the allegations, asserting that no one is exempt from accountability for protecting the dignity of others. In light of these revelations, the Cesar Chavez Foundation acknowledged the disturbing allegations and committed to responding to the claims and supporting those affected.
In a statement, his family expressed devastation over the reports and praised the women's courage to come forward.
Chavez, who died in 1993 at the age of 66, rallied California's farmworkers from the 1950s, leading national boycotts and marches to improve working conditions. Huerta, now 95, recounted that two encounters with Chavez resulted in pregnancies she chose to keep secret. More stories of abuse have emerged, with two other women sharing that they were abused by Chavez during childhood.
Responses to these allegations have resulted in numerous cancellations of events celebrating Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, as the UFW announced it was halting its participation in the celebrations. Governor Gavin Newsom remarked that the farmworkers' movement is larger than one individual and expressed support for the women who came forward. Additionally, legislative efforts to rename the holiday have surfaced.
LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, denounced the allegations, asserting that no one is exempt from accountability for protecting the dignity of others. In light of these revelations, the Cesar Chavez Foundation acknowledged the disturbing allegations and committed to responding to the claims and supporting those affected.
