Sexual misconduct allegations against labor icon Cesar Chavez revealed in New York Times report

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- 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.

Another woman alleged dozens of sexual encounters with Chavez over a period of four years, beginning when she was 13.

RELATED: Live continuing coverage of allegations against Cesar Chavez

The Times' investigation claims Chavez used his position of power at the United Farm Workers union to exploit many of the female members. The paper reports that a handful of Chavez's relatives and UFW leaders have been aware of various allegations of sexual misconduct for years.

The article comes one day after the UFW announced it learned of the allegations, characterizing them as "deeply troubling."

The union quickly distanced itself from Chavez, stating it would not mark its co-founder's birthday -- Cesar Chavez Day -- on March 31.

On Wednesday, the union's other co-founder, Dolores Huerta, broke her silence, claiming she, too, had two separate unwanted sexual encounters with Chavez in the 1960s.

"The first time I was manipulated and pressured..." she wrote. "I didn't feel I could say no..."

"The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped," Huerta wrote.

The Times' report includes a photo of the two standing together in Fresno in 1965.

Now 95 years old, Huerta said publicly for the first time that the alleged sexual encounters with Chavez led to two pregnancies she kept secret "until just a few weeks ago."

Huerta wrote she "carried this secret for as long as I did because building the movement and securing farmworker rights was my life's work."

The Chavez family later responded to The New York Times article, writing they are "devastated" and calling it "deeply painful."

They wish healing to the survivors who came forward.

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