The City of Milwaukee has removed a statue of Cesar Chavez after shocking allegations of child sex assault were brought against the late labor leader.
Milwaukee officials and private property owners have removed a prominent statue of labor activist Cesar Chavez from public view, following explosive allegations of child sexual abuse and misconduct detailed in a recent New York Times investigation.
The life-size bronze statue, long displayed outside El Rey Family Market on South Cesar E. Chavez Drive, was first covered in black plastic and had its accompanying plaques removed overnight.
Store owner Ernesto Villarreal confirmed the statue would be taken down Friday morning, citing the serious nature of the claims against Chavez, who has been accused of assaulting women and young girls during his time leading the United Farm Workers union.
Plaques honoring the late activist were taken down earlier this week, and Milwaukee canceled its annual Cesar Chavez Day celebrations scheduled for later in March. City leaders, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, have praised the decisions and indicated discussions are underway to potentially rename South Cesar E. Chavez Drive.
