STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Calls for Immediate Resignation of All Los Angeles County Councilmembers After Racist and Homophobic Remarks

WASHINGTON — After leaked audio revealed racist and hateful comments made by Los Angeles City Councilmembers towards their colleagues during a conversation about redistricting, former Councilmember President Nury Martinez announced her resignation. AAPI Victory Alliance is calling for the immediate resignation of all three council members involved. The abhorrent comments from Martinez, Kevin de Leon, and Gil Cedillo raise serious concerns over whether they are fit to continue serving the diverse communities of Los Angeles. 

AAPI Victory Alliance Board Member Katie Nguyen Kalvoda issued the following statement:

“I am saddened and appalled by the leaked conversation between Los Angeles council members. Our leaders are entrusted to act with integrity and honor. Instead, they have dishonored their oath of office, the people’s trust, and the values we hold as a community.  There is no room on the council dais or anywhere in Los Angeles for this kind of bigotry and racism.”

AAPI Victory Alliance Board Member Tung Nguyen issued the following statement: 

“I am truly astounded by the level of vitriol and hatred from these leaders. Our council members are responsible for representing Los Angeles’ diverse communities, and we trust them to do so. However, these leaked recordings have shown us our councilmembers’ true colors—their anti-LGBTQ, anti-indigenous and anti-blackness. We demand Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo also resign immediately.” 

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