BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A mural depicting the late labor rights leader Cesar Chavez was found defaced Thursday with the phrase “believe survivors.”
“Believe survivors” was seen on the mural of Chavez on the side of a business on M Street near 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield on Thursday morning. It wasn’t clear when the mural had been defaced.
Cesar Chavez family releases statement following sexual assault, abuse allegations
The mural depicts a portion of Chavez’s face with his eyes facing forward.
17 News has reached out to the Bakersfield Police Department for any details of the incident.
Cesar Chavez mural with words “believe survivors” spray painted on it in downtown Bakersfield. / Photo: KGET
On March 20, The New York Times published a story, resulting from a yearslong investigation on Cesar Chavez and allegations that he had sexually abused young girls and women. Civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers Dolores Huerta, said she was sexually assaulted by Chavez that resulted in two pregnancies.
State lawmakers quickly voted to rename Cesar Chavez Day on March 31 to Farmworkers Day. The city of Bakersfield said it has ended efforts to name H Street after Chavez.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.