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Anaheim Releases Legal Claim Alleging Racial, Homophobic Slurs by Mayor
The 25-page claim says city leaders knew about the mayor’s drinking and misconduct, and Ballinas alleges retaliation after reporting concerns.
- On Friday, Oct. 2, the Anaheim City Council will convene a closed-door meeting to discuss a 25-page legal claim filed by Berenice Ballinas, Chief of Staff to Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, alleging harassment, racist remarks, and retaliation.
- Ballinas alleges a 'recurring pattern of the mayor's alcohol consumption' spanning October 2024 to June 2026, describing Aitken's behavior when drinking as 'erratic, belligerent, confrontational, and difficult to manage' at official city events.
- The filing accuses Aitken of making 'racially derogatory comments' regarding Ballinas' Mexican heritage, mocking her Catholic faith by calling God her 'imaginary friend,' and repeatedly questioning her perceived sexual orientation.
- City spokesperson Mike Lyster confirmed an 'independent, experienced investigator' will review allegations over the next few months, while Councilmember Norma Campos Kurtz demanded an expedited investigation and said she would seek the mayor's resignation if claims prove true.
- The Anaheim Police Association suspended its endorsement of Aitken ahead of the November 3 mayoral election, while Aitken denied using racial slurs and stated she has 'always been a champion of the LGBTQ community.
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California mayor accused of drunken behavior, racial slur, harassment in chief of staff's claim - NEW YORK TIMES POST
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has been accused of repeatedly appearing intoxicated during city-related events, making racially derogatory remarks and asking intrusive questions about sexuality, according to a newly released 25-page government claim. Berenice Ballinas, who has worked in Aitken’s office since December 2022 as her chief of [...]
California mayor accused of drunken behavior, racial slur, harassment in chief of staff's claim
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken faces a harassment claim from chief of staff Berenice Ballinas, who alleges racial slurs targeting her Mexican heritage and intrusive LGBTQ questions.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left3Leaning Right6Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Right
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
43% Right
L 21%
C 36%
R 43%
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