Calls for the immediate resignation of Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts are mounting following allegations that he groped a high school student during a community event at City Hall on Tuesday.
Activists claim the mayor grabbed the student’s buttocks while posing for a photograph.
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Inglewood Commissioner Leonard Redway, who was present at the event, stated that while he did not personally witness the alleged act, he observed a commotion and a girl who appeared visibly upset. Redway said he subsequently contacted the student’s father to inform him of the incident.
During a news conference, local residents and activists expressed outrage. “You need to go today. This is nothing new here in the city of Inglewood,” said activist Yolanda Davidson. “The residents of Inglewood, myself included, and the people who could not be here today, are calling for his resignation, effective today.” Other activists, including Earl Ofari Hutchinson and Najee Ali, emphasized the gravity of the accusations, stating, “Sexual allegations cannot be underplayed. They’re serious,” and, “The fact is, we do believe Mayor Butts sexually groped a young minor.”
Cell phone footage captured by Redway around 10:34 p.m. Tuesday appears to show Mayor Butts in a neighborhood street. Redway alleges the mayor was attempting to personally apologize to the student’s father after an earlier attempt to apologize by phone was rejected. Redway questioned the timing of the visit, asking, “Why would you show up at someone’s house at 10:30 at night if nothing happened?” Redway also alleged on social media that there are efforts to suppress information regarding the incident.
The student’s family has not yet filed a police report, with activists noting that the family is prioritizing the protection of their daughter’s identity. Mayor Butts has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations, and his office has not responded to requests for comment.