Society Oh The Irony! Assemblywoman At Forefront Of #MeToo Movement Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

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Assemblywoman at forefront of #MeToo movement accused of sexual misconduct


California Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus who has been at the forefront of the movement against sexual harassment in the state Capitol, has herself become the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct. The Bell Gardens Democrat said she would "participate fully" in an investigation.

Politico reported Thursday that two men said Garcia made improper advances toward them. One, a former legislative staffer, said Garcia groped his back and buttocks and attempted to grab his crotch during a legislative softball game in 2014.

The former staffer, Daniel Fierro, told his former boss, Assemblyman Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) about the incident several weeks ago, his office said. Calderon then reported the incident to the Assembly Rules Committee.

Fierro told the Times he decided to speak out because he thought Garcia's behavior was at odds with the #MeToo movement, which could harm the cause she was so closely associated with.

"I have female colleagues who have been through way worse than me," Fierro said. "That conversation needs to be had. ...If their stories are being taken less seriously by people in the district because the messenger is not credible, that's a problem."

In a statement, Garcia said the details of the complaints only came to her attention on Thursday. She confirmed she did attend the legislative softball game in 2014, but added she has "zero recollection of engaging in inappropriate behavior," which she said was inconsistent with her values.

"Every complaint about sexual harassment should be taken seriously and I will participate fully in any investigation that takes place," Garcia said.

Politico reported about a second accusation from a lobbyist who was not named in the story. Politico reported the lobbyist said Garcia attempted to grab his genitals and made an explicit sexual proposition at a 2017 event.

Garcia, one of the most outspoken legislators in the #MeToo movement, now finds herself facing criticism from colleagues. State Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino) called the allegations "very troubling."

"I have consistently voiced my strong opinion that any legislator under investigation by either the Assembly or Senate should take an immediate leave of absence until the review is completed," Leyva said in a statement. "As Vice Chair of the Women's Caucus, I will be asking that the membership of the Caucus meet in the very near future to discuss the fate of Assemblymember Cristina Garcia as Women's Caucus Chair."

We Said Enough, the advocacy group that grew out of an open letter signed by more than 140 women-including Garcia-decrying the culture of harassment in California politics, said in a statement the organization was "concerned about these reports and they need to be investigated thoroughly, without delay."

"The Legislature must establish a confidential reporting mechanism, with due process for accusers and the accused, early intervention and restoration for the entire community," the group said.
 
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She confirmed she did attend the legislative softball game in 2014, but added she has "zero recollection of engaging in inappropriate behavior," which she said was inconsistent with her values.

"Every complaint about sexual harassment should be taken seriously and I will participate fully in any investigation that takes place," Garcia said.
That sounds like she's on the level. I can't stand the victim movement but at least she's not dismissing it and being fair about it.
 

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That sounds like she's on the level. I can't stand the victim movement but at least she's not dismissing it and being fair about it.
Sounds like she's being full of shit and saying what she thinks she should say. If she's innocent you would refute the claims and Sue the person lying for slander