César Chavez Accused Of Sexual Abuse Across Multiple Decades

César Chavez is a widely admired Latino icon who brought attention to the struggles of farmhands

Iconic labor leader César Chavez has been accused of decades of sexual abuse.

Chavez is a widely admired Latino icon who brought attention to the struggles of farmhands while leading the United Farm Workers Union.

The allegations accuse him of abusing and molesting multiple women over the course of decades, including some underage girls. One of the alleged victims was legendary activist Dolores Huerta who co-founded the United Farm Workers Union with Chavez.

Huerta admitted she was abused by Chavez but was not aware that he hurt other women and condemned his actions. “César’s actions do not diminish the permanent improvements achieved for farm-workers with the help of thousands of people,” Huerta said. She added, “we must continue to engage and support our community, which needs advocacy and activism now more than ever.”

Chavez died over three decades ago but the allegations drew immediate calls to alter memorials honoring the man who helped secure better wages and working conditions for farmworkers.

Click here for local news.