Supporters of Ysabel Jurado, a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council, have criticized her opponent, Councilmember Kevin de León, for hiring activist Najee Ali, who was accused of harassment by his ex-girlfriend Susan Bradshaw last year. Bradshaw appeared at a news conference organized by Jurado backers, claiming Ali had verbally abused and threatened her. Ali denied the allegations, calling it a smear campaign.
De León, who faced controversy for racist remarks, is in a tough race against Jurado, a tenant rights attorney, for a seat on the council representing downtown L.A. and the Eastside. Bradshaw accused Ali of sending illicit images of her and threatening her after their breakup. Ali denied wrongdoing, saying the choking incident was consensual.
Ali is known for advocating for crime victims’ families and gained prominence in cases like that of Sherrice Iverson and Tioni Theus. He admitted to being arrested for rape twice, but claimed innocence in both cases. De León’s campaign did not comment on Ali’s hiring.
The allegations against Ali have brought renewed attention to the City Council race, with supporters of Jurado questioning the judgment of De León in hiring him. The accusations and denials have created controversy just days before the election, adding more fuel to the already heated competition between the two candidates.
Source
Photo credit www.latimes.com
