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Cesar Chavez abused and raped women and girls, NYT investigation says

What happened

The New York Times published an investigation alleging that civil rights icon César Chávez Kids and Counting’ Arrested for Sexually Abusing a Minor">sexually abused and assaulted young girls and women, including prominent activist Dolores Huerta, his longtime organizing partner. The allegations span years during Chávez's leadership of the farmworker movement from the 1950s through 1970s. Chávez's family released a statement saying they are "devastated" by the revelations.

Why people care
César Chávez is revered as a settles-sexual-assault-civil-case.html" class="story-link" title="Kevin Spacey Settles With Sexual Assault Accusers Before London Civil Trial">civil rights hero, with schools, streets, and holidays named in his honor across the American Southwest. These allegations threaten to fundamentally reshape how one of the most celebrated figures in Chicano and labor history is remembered.
The takes
Chávez family says

The family expressed devastation at the allegations published in The New York Times. They appear to be grappling with revelations that could irreparably damage their patriarch's legacy as a civil rights icon.

NYT investigation alleges

The newspaper's investigation details allegations of sexual abuse and assault spanning multiple victims over years. The reporting includes claims that Chávez raped Dolores Huerta, his most prominent organizing partner and a civil rights leader in her own right.

Sources
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