New sexual assault lawsuit brought against Cesar Chavez estate

FRESNO, Calif. -- Another woman has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor leader Cesar Chavez, according to a lawsuit filed in Kern County Superior Court.

The complaint, filed in September by an 86-year-old woman identified as Jane Doe, names the estate of Cesar Chavez, the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the United Farmworkers Foundation as defendants. The lawsuit alleges negligence, sexual harassment and violations of civil rights laws.

According to the complaint, the woman moved to the Central Valley to support the grape strike movement, where she met Chavez and was later abused by the former union leader. She alleges Chavez raped her in 1973 at the union's compound near Bakersfield and claims leadership covered up his abuse of women for years.

The New York Times first reported on the latest allegations.

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said allegations of sexual misconduct have affected many industries and workplaces.

"Sexual assault has unfortunately been something that continues to plague so many industries and workplaces across the country. Farmworkers are no different," Arias said.

The latest complaint follows increased scrutiny of Chavez's legacy. Earlier this year, labor activist Dolores Huerta spoke publicly about her own experiences with Chavez during an interview with ABC News.

"I think we leave that up in God's hands. I think the progress that was made, we have to acknowledge it. He was a great leader, but unfortunately he had an evil side to him," Huerta said.

Earlier this year, The New York Times published an investigative report examining sexual assault allegations against Chavez. Investigative reporter Sarah Hurtes later discussed the reporting process with KERO in Bakersfield.

"The difficulty was being able to tell their stories without necessarily throwing away the whole movement," Hurtes said in April.

The reporting prompted several changes across Central California. A mural of Chavez was removed in downtown Fresno, Fresno State removed a statue of the late labor leader, and Fresno city leaders unanimously voted to restore Cesar Chavez Boulevard to its original street names.

"It's a continuing affirmation that the city council in Fresno made the right choice to quickly act once we found out the news," Arias said.

At the same time, Arias emphasized that the farmworker movement extends beyond any single individual.

"There were thousands and thousands of farmworkers," Arias said.

"So there are generations of farmworkers who have left the fields and are now working professionals who carry the legacy of farmworkers," he added.

In a statement, the Cesar Chavez Foundation said, "CCF recently became aware of the legal complaint. We are reviewing with our legal counsel and will respond in a way that stays true to our mission and values."

ABC30 also reached out to the United Farmworkers Foundation for comment but has not yet heard back.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, contact RAINN'S National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

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