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Ex-Fire Chief Sues Los Angeles Mayor for Defamation
Crowley says Bass falsely blamed her for fire failures and should pay damages personally, citing remarks that she claims misled viewers about engines and firefighters.
- On Tuesday, former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayor Karen Bass, alleging the mayor made false statements regarding the Palisades Fire to benefit her reelection campaign.
- The conflict stems from the January 7, 2025, Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people; Bass previously claimed she removed Crowley because the chief sent home 1,000 firefighters during a Red Flag Warning.
- Crowley's legal filing argues the mayor's comments were made in personal capacity to "avoid accountability" and "transfer blame" for leadership failures, rather than being protected by government immunity.
- Responding on Wednesday, the Mayor's Office called the lawsuit meritless, while resident Maryam Zar noted staffing shortages on high-wind days remain a significant point of contention.
- This filing marks the second lawsuit from Crowley, who previously sued the city in February 2026 for alleged retaliation, as the city navigates ongoing scrutiny over disaster recovery protocols.
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Former LAFD Chief Suing Mayor Bass Personally
Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley is now personally suing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alleging the mayor defamed her during Bass’s reelection campaign. Crowley claims Bass made false public statements that damaged her reputation by blaming her for problems in the city’s response to the deadly Palisades Fire. Bass dismissed Crowley in the aftermath of the fire, a decision that sparked controversy and led to legal action. …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources43
Leaning Left4Leaning Right16Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Right
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Right
46% Right
11%
C 43%
R 46%
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