Live Updates: Labor leader Cesar Chavez accused of sexual assault
Last updated: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:05PM GMT
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers, is accused of abusing "young women or minors."
The accusations have caused multiple events celebrating the labor leader to be canceled.
Cesar Chavez Day in multiple states is celebrated on March 31.
Mar 18, 2026, 7:27 PM
LIST: Central Valley locations named after Cesar Chavez as abuse allegations put legacy in spotlight
The serious allegations against Mexican American icon Cesar Chavez are sending shockwaves through communities and leaving questions about what happens to the dozens of institutions and landmarks named after him in the Central Valley, California and across the country.
Amid the abuse allegations, the legacy of the labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers Association will now be reexamined. The union has already said it will not celebrate the day named in his honor.
Sexual misconduct allegations against labor icon Cesar Chavez revealed in New York Times report
The New York Times is reporting new allegations against Cesar Chavez, the late labor icon. He is accused of grooming and sexually abusing women and minors for years.
The New York Times is reporting new allegations against Cesar Chavez, the late labor icon. He is accused of grooming and sexually abusing women and minors for years.
The Times detailed an extensive pattern of alleged misconduct.
One woman told the paper she was only 12 years old when Chavez first touched her inappropriately and then 15 when he raped her.
Valley state assemblymember introduces legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day in CA
Assemblywoman Alexandra M. Macedo (R-Tulare) has introduced legislation to rename the March 31 California State holiday to Farmworker Day.
"Farmworkers are essential to our everyday lives - from the food we eat to the economy we enjoy," said Assemblywoman Macedo. "The fight for dignity in the fields was never about one person - it is about the millions of workers who sweat, toil and aspire for a better life."
Governor Gavin Newsom said he would be open to changes made by the legislation in light of the Chavez accusations.
Fresno leaders respond to allegations against Cesar Chavez
Fresno officials and community members are reacting to troubling allegations raised this week against renowned farmworker rights leader Cesar Chavez, whose name and likeness appear on more than 200 street signs, as well as local parks, libraries, schools and Fresno State.
Fresno officials and community members are reacting to troubling allegations raised this week against renowned farmworker rights leader Cesar Chavez.
Councilmember Miguel Arias said the news has struck a personal chord, recalling how Chavez's legacy shaped his own upbringing as a young Latino finding his path.
Mayor Jerry Dyer said he supports that effort and confirmed the city still has many of the original signs.
Fresno County Board of Supervisors to hold special meeting to consider renaming Cesar Chavez Day
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Monday, March 23, to consider renaming Cesar Chavez Day.
The Board will propose renaming the holiday, which is observed in Fresno County every March 31, to "Fresno County Agriculture Appreciation Day."
In a news release on Wednesday, county officials said in part, "renaming the holiday offers an opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of the countless individuals and families who sustain this vital industry."
