Arraignment for Lion Raisins heir delayed again as he refuses to leave jail cell

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The arraignment of Bruce Lion, an heir to Selma-based Lion Raisins, was postponed for a second consecutive day after authorities said he refused to leave his jail cell, prompting a judge to order that he be forcibly brought to court.

Lion, 64, was arrested Saturday in Pacific Palisades. Cell phone video shows Los Angeles police officers taking him into custody as he shouted and used slurs toward onlookers.

Rabbi Zushe Cunin, a neighbor who says he has been targeted by Lion's behavior for months, has been waiting all week for the court proceedings to move forward.

"Everybody has their way, and there's differences of opinion, but they're unified, and this is just unearthing. It's just incredible," Cunin said.

Cunin said Lion's alleged outbursts have been ongoing for about four months and described the behavior as disturbing.

"You know, I don't know if it's a drug issue, a mental health issue, but it's unacceptable," he said.

Additional video circulating online appears to show Lion outside a Los Angeles Chabad center making further hateful remarks.

In one clip, Lion says, "The Jews burn it down to rebuild it... can you believe that sh*t?"

In another, he continues his tirade, saying, "Not Bank of America, and definitely not that f*ing j Charles Schwab."

Late Wednesday, Lion Raisins issued a statement addressing the situation, saying in part, "Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins... Bruce Lion does not actively participate in the company's day-to-day operations."

The company did not clarify whether Lion remains an heir or maintains any involvement with the business.

Efforts to obtain further comment from the company were unsuccessful. A receptionist said, "I can't answer that question." A call to Lion's brother was also unsuccessful, with the person who answered ending the call after a reporter identified themselves.

Lion remains in custody as authorities work to bring him before a judge.

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