BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) The Cesar Chavez mural in downtown Bakersfield was found painted over Thursday morning with the words “Believe survivors,” sparking fresh debate about the late labor leader and the allegations raised against him.
The mural is located near 18th Street and L Street.
The vandalism comes weeks after a New York Times article accused Chavez of sexually abusing girls and women during the 1960s and 1970s.
Cesar Chavez mural in downtown Bakersfield vandalized with “Believe Survivors” graffiti (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Dolores Huerta, once considered a Chavez ally, also claims Chavez raped her and that she gave birth to two children from those encounters.
Bakersfield City Councilmember Zach Bashirtash said in a statement, “I’m sure people are incredibly frustrated by still seeing his face on the wall. Why it hasn’t been taken down yet or covered up is a surprise to me.”
In a separate statement, Bakersfield City Councilman Andrae Gonzales said, “The property owner says the mural had been planned be removed as soon as April 4th.”
Cesar Chavez mural in downtown Bakersfield vandalized with “Believe Survivors” graffiti (KBAK/KBFX)
Residents expressed mixed feelings about both Chavez and the vandalism.
“I don’t blame them for defacing it honestly. I feel that he was a global hero and someone that a lot of people look up to and it’s a little disappointing to hear what he did and for the survivors to now speak out I applaud them,” said Alexis Corbin, a Bakersfield local.
Cesar Chavez mural in downtown Bakersfield vandalized with “Believe Survivors” graffiti (AP Photo/Harold Filan, File)
Rosario Ortiz, also a Bakersfield local, said, “You know I don’t believe of coming out now after so many years, and I get it. Everybody has a different opinion, but I just feel he did what he did for his workers and everybody else to help the movement.”