California lawmaker and outspoken supporter of the #MeToo Movement, Cristina Garcia, is facing more backlash after making racially insensitive comments towards Asians. Although the comments were made in 2014, the story comes directly after allegations of sexual harassment earlier this year.
The Hill reports that Assemblyperson Garcia became angry during a closed-door session after a group of Asian Americans blocked a bill supporting affirmative action. Sources quote Garcia as saying the entire experience “makes me feel like I want to punch the next Asian person I see in the face.”
According to Politico, Garcia voluntarily went on leave of absence after being accused of sexually harassing former legislative staffers earlier this year. Coincidentally, Garcia allegedly made the anti-Asian remarks the same year she was accused of uttering homophobic slurs directed at then Assembly Speaker John Perez. Garcia claims that the comments were made in the privacy of her office.
Garcia denies the allegations of sexual harassment, although has not yet responded to accusations of incendiary comments towards Asians.
Perez told Politico that he “strongly admonished” Garcia after making that remark. He is not aware of any apology Garcia has made to the Asian American community.
LATEST STORIES
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.
