Jason Lee has never been a “yes man.” And once Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi realized that, she found she was dealing with a man who answers to his community, not to City Hall!
So what does someone with “more power” do when they’ve come to that realization? According to Jason, they attack the man instead of answering the questions. They question his motives, call it “pimping out Stockton,” and hope the noise would hide the “fraud, waste, and abuse” he says he’s been calling out from day one.
Lee, now the former vice mayor of Stockton, appeared on The Don Lemon Show this week to address his exit and clarify why he left his seat. For those who haven’t been following, Lee officially exited on October 13, 2026. He submitted his resignation, but the city council rejected it and removed his title instead. How Lee sees it, that was a move to take control of the story just so it would look like he was pushed out rather than a man who chose to walk away.
Now, the mayor has repeatedly come at Jason with heavy accusations, saying he not only used his seat to promote his business, including Hollywood Unlocked, but that he was “pimping out Stockton.” But Jason, never one to shy away from headlines, says it’s all part of her agenda instead of focusing on what’s really important. He calls the language “racial troping” meant to push him into line, and says he refuses to “go along to get along.” As for the money, he says, “This position is $33,000 a year… It’s not a money making job. I didn’t go back for the money. I went back to change my community.”
As previously reported, this isn’t the first time money has been used against him. During his term, Lee was accused of misusing $50,000 in public funds, abusing his power, and improperly influencing city staff to prevent the cancellation of a Wild ‘N Out live comedy show. The independent investigation wasinitiated by the Stockton City Council following internal allegations raised by the city’s top administrator. Or course he was ultimately cleared.
But did that come with a loud apology? Nope. Just another round of allegations thrown his way instead of more community building amongst leaders. And the pattern was real clear to him… when the questions get uncomfortable, the focus shifts to his character.
As Jason’s attorney Walter Mosley puts it, “Jason Lee is Black, gay and proud of both. He is also a lifelong Stocktonian and the elected representative of District 6. His identity matters to this story. Mr. Lee believes race and sexual orientation have shaped the unequal treatment he has received, and that retaliation for his scrutiny of City Hall is part of that pattern. Those claims have not been adjudicated. They deserve serious examinationagainst the full record, not dismissal because City Hall is uncomfortable with his criticism.”
Mosely also pointed out that the “ Mayor removed more than 26 high-ranking employees from their long-term City government jobs and fired four whistleblowers who reported infractions by her and her staff. The City is facing multiple employment lawsuits arising from the reckless conduct of its so-called leadership. There is a pattern-and- practice here, and it is costing taxpayers.”
Lee insists the real issue is accountability. “I’ve been calling out hypocrisy. I’ve been calling out bad governance. I’ve been calling out fraud, waste, and abuse,” he said. He also revealed what he told council members at their last meeting: “You all are going to go to jail.”
As many are aware, Jason Lee built Hollywood Unlocked from the ground up, and he never needed a vice mayor’s seat to boost his platform. So while those in office continue to focus on creating false headlines, Lee is putting his energy into the important ones here at Hollywood Unlocked, all while still keeping his promise to his hometown community.
“Mr. Lee remains the elected District 6 Councilmember, with his vote and responsibility to his constituents. His work does not depend on the Vice Mayor title. He will continue to speak about the decisions affecting Stockton residents and press for a government that uses public resources responsibly.
The Mayor may have taken a title away from Jason Lee. The good news is that Stockton voters can decide to take hers. California is infamous for recalls and March 7, 2028 is around the corner. “