Anaheim Mayor Aitken accused of racial slurs and public intoxication

Key Points:

• Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken faces allegations from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, accusing her of intoxication at city events, making racially derogatory remarks, and asking intrusive questions about sexuality, as detailed in a 25-page government claim.
• Ballinas, who is of Mexican heritage and Catholic faith, alleges harassment, discrimination, and retaliation linked to her perceived sexual orientation and ethnicity, including incidents where Aitken reportedly used a racial slur and refused a ride from Ballinas due to her ethnicity.
• The claim describes multiple episodes of inappropriate behavior by Aitken, including public intoxication, physical affection at a team event, and damaging a bicycle in anger, with inadequate responses from city officials.
• Aitken denies using the racial slur and states the allegations merit investigation, emphasizing her support for the LGBTQ community; the city is currently reviewing the claims amid ongoing political scrutiny as Aitken seeks re-election in November.
• Ballinas alleges retaliation after reporting misconduct and was forced to take leave, while Disney acknowledged inappropriate remarks during a mayoral outing, further intensifying the controversy surrounding Aitken’s conduct.