SAG-AFTRA Condemns the Racist Conduct by L.A. City Councilmembers and the Condoning of that Behavior by Labor Leader

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 10, 2022) – SAG-AFTRA unequivocally condemns the racist and homophobic comments of Los Angeles City Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, Kevin de León and Nury Martinez, and the failure of Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera to confront and condemn that misconduct as it occurred.

Racism and homophobia have no place in the labor movement, government or society. All leaders must be held to a higher standard that centers on anti-racism and immediately calls out discrimination and hateful comments in the moment. 

While the city councilmembers are elected representatives who serve Los Angeles citizens, the LACFL represents more than 800,000 workers in the county, many of whom are people of color and LGBTQIA+. The racism and homophobia expressed by council members and condoned by Herrera during the meeting is inexcusable. It creates and fosters division and animosity within and between Los Angeles communities. There is no excuse for this breach of trust.

Our leaders must be held to a higher standard and work together in the fight for respect, equity and justice in our shared communities. The behavior exhibited by all of the attendees at the meeting is unacceptable. Those who participated in this conversation must demonstrate accountability for their words and actions by stepping down and making space for leaders who can credibly champion the cause of anti-racism and inclusion.

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.