Following the release of a leaked phone conversation, which included three Los Angeles City Council members along with the former President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, making racist comments and slurs, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), released the following statement:
“I was shocked, and I am so very disappointed in the three City Councilmembers and the now former President of Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, who have been documented making the kind of racist comments I never thought would come out of the mouths of those elected to serve the beautifully diverse city of Los Angeles. Their comments also included horrific details about efforts to weaken the political power of Black people across the city.
The community has spoken loud and clear. Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo have demonstrated their racist sentiments, and while there has been resistance from these individuals to step down, the calls are much too overwhelming. I too, join in with others in calling for their resignation. That is what true accountability looks like, and our city cannot heal until that happens.”
