Inglewood mayor, embroiled in groping allegations, accuses rivals of smear campaign – Los Angeles Times

Inglewood mayor, embroiled in groping allegations, accuses rivals of smear campaign  Los Angeles Times

Inglewood has been roiled over the last week by allegations that the city's mayor acted inappropriately at a community event, accusations he strongly denies and insists are politically motivated. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. held an emotional news conference Monday, speaking publicly for the first time against claims he inappropriately touched a high school student while posing for a group photo at the city's recent "Votechella" event. Standing outside of Inglewood City Hall, flanked by local and regional leaders and two large poster boards bearing the message "Stop the lies. Stop the billionaires," Butts said attacks against him are driven by local activists and also tied to a larger political battle between the city and the operators of its large entertainment venues.

Exactly what happened at the community event on the lawn outside of City Hall remains unclear. The student and her family have not made any public statements on the alleged misconduct. A representative for the family told The Times they had been advised by legal counsel not to discuss the incident and to "let the investigation run its course," but would not clarify who is investigating. In an emotionally charged, eight-minute speech, Butts accused his rivals of mounting a libelous and racist smear campaign depicting him as a Black man unable to control his impulses. He noted