Cesar Chavez faces disturbing abuse allegations and celebrations canceled

Cesar Chavez — the late labor leader and civil rights icon who co-founded the United Farm Workers union — is under fire after accusations surfaced that he abused young women and minors…and with celebrations in his honor now canceled.

The UFW issued a statement Tuesday saying it had become aware of “deeply disturbing allegations” that Chavez “behaved in a manner inconsistent with the values ​​of our organization.”

Although some reports involve family issues, the organization says the “much more disturbing” allegations involve abuse of young women and minors. Although the UFW says it has no direct knowledge of the allegations, it says they are serious enough that the organization is taking “urgent steps” to learn more and help potential victims.

The shocking news comes just weeks before César Chávez Day, March 31. The UFW says it won’t participate in all Cesar Chavez Day celebrations this year…and some cities, including San Antonio, have already canceled events honoring Chavez.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation also says it is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the disturbing allegations…which it says involve allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors while he was president of the UFW.

Chavez died in 1993 at age 66… and in 2014, president Barack Obama made César Chávez Day a federal holiday honoring the labor leader.