LOS ANGELES, Oct 11 (Reuters) – A Los Angeles city councilwoman took a leave of absence from her post on Tuesday after she and two colleagues became embroiled in a furore over racist comments she was heard making at a audio tape of their private conversation.
Democrat Nury Martinez, who resigned from her leadership post a day earlier, announced her resignation in a statement issued before the council’s regular meeting.
“This has been one of the most difficult times of my life and I recognize that I have done it completely,” Martinez, 49, said in the statement. At this time, I need to take a leave of absence and take some time to have a frank and honest conversation with my family, constituents and community leaders.”
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Council members Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, who were heard on the taped call along with local labor leader Ron Herrera, have apologized for their part in the inflammatory conversation but defied calls to resign.
A White House spokeswoman said Tuesday that U.S. President Joe Biden believed all three should resign.
“He thinks they should all resign. The language that was used and tolerated during that conversation was unacceptable, and it was appalling. They should all resign,” Karine Jean-Pierre said at a White House briefing.
Both Cedillo and de Leon walked out of the council meeting as rowdy protesters called for his resignation.
Herrera resigned Monday night as president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The recorded conversation took place in October 2021, but came to light only this week after it was posted on a Reddit message board and reported by the Times.
On the tape, Martinez is heard saying that councilman Mike Bonin, who is white, treated his black son like he was a “prop” and compared him to a “changuito,” which roughly translates to “coin.” .
Martinez also disparaged Oaxacan Mexicans and expressed his displeasure with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, saying he “stands with the blacks.”
Martínez was first elected to the city council in 2013 and became president in 2020.
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Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by David Gregorio
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