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.
Fresno City Council unanimously votes to change Cesar Chavez Boulevard back to original names
The Fresno City Council unanimously voted on Thursday to change all streets named after Cesar Chavez back to their original names.
The 2023 renaming of the more than 10-mile stretch of road through the heart of the city was a controversial topic and cost the city almost $150,000 to replace the signs.
City officials said on Wednesday that all of the former street signs remain in storage, meaning most would not need to be remade, reducing the overall cost.
California lawmakers say they'll change name of César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day
In California, legislative leaders announced Thursday they are going to rename César Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day in light of the allegations.
California was the first state to designate Chavez's birthday as a day to honor the civil rights leader nearly 30 years ago.
In 2000, the Legislature passed a bill to make it an official paid day off for state employees and require the state to start teaching students about his legacy and his involvement in the labor movement in California.
Many other California workers are given the day off.
ABC's John Quiñones calls Cesar Chavez allegations 'devastating' after reporting on him for decades
The fallout continues after rape allegations have been made against civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. John Quiñones is sharing his insight on the shocking allegations after reporting on Chavez for ABC News and looking up to him for years.
"He was our hero, and now to see this, it's just devastating," Quiñones told Eyewitness News Anchor Marc Cota-Robles in a one-on-one interview on Wednesday.
"He was our hero, and now to see this, it's just devastating," John Quiñones told Eyewitness News, sharing his insight as a former farmworker himself who looked up to Chavez.
Quiñones says he grew up in a family of farmworkers, and Chavez meant so much for their movement. He said he started getting wind of a bombshell allegation about five days ago.
UFW Filipino co-founder's son speaks out amidst allegations against Cesar Chavez
Jonny Itliong, the son of UFW Filipino co-founder Larry Itliong, is speaking out on behalf of his father amidst allegations made against Cesar Chavez.
Jonny Itliong, the son of UFW Filipino co-founder Larry Itliong, is speaking out on behalf of his father amidst allegations made against Cesar Chavez.
"I've been trying to expose Chavez's misdoings as far as with my father, trying to take the credit for my father who started the union and organized. It's unfortunate that it has to happen this way, but I'm glad that it's finally happening," says Johnny Itliong.
Johnny's wounds run deep; he tells Action News his father's legacy was left in the shadow of Chavez. Now, he is also hurting for the women who have come forward to say Chavez sexually assaulted them.
"My heart goes out to all of you, all of the victims," says Itliong.
