Anaheim Mayor Denies Calling Staffer a 'Dirty Mexican' as Chief Of Staff Alleges Racial and Anti-LGBTQ Harassment

The mayor of Anaheim, Ashleigh Aitken, has publicly denied a racial slur allegation after her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, accused the mayor of making racially and sexually inappropriate remarks in a letter sent to City Hall on Sept. 11.

Allegations

According to the letter, which Ballinas's attorney delivered to city officials, Ballinas alleges that Aitken once said she "did not want her car driven by a dirty Mexican." The letter also alleges that Aitken questioned Ballinas's sexuality in front of other staff members and that these comments were part of a pattern of unwelcome remarks beginning in or around 2023. The Los Angeles Times first reported the letter's existence on Sept. 21.

Mayor's Response

On her Facebook page, Aitken, 50, called the accusations "extremely serious" and welcomed an investigation. She denied using the racial slur attributed to her and emphasized her support for the LGBTQ community, writing that she has "always been a champion of the LGBTQ community." Aitken noted limits on public comment because the matter involves an active personnel issue and said she would not "violate [an employee's] privacy or attack an employee who has recently experienced a serious medical issue simply to defend myself in the press."

"I did not use the racial slur attributed to me, and I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community," Aitken wrote. "I welcome an investigation and will cooperate truthfully, and I believe the facts should determine what happened."

Additional Allegations and Public Reaction

The complaint also alleges that former Anaheim city manager Jim Vanderpool participated in the alleged harassment. Vanderpool resigned earlier this year amid an unrelated corruption scandal. Reporting from The New York Post says some residents at a recent City Council meeting publicly urged Aitken to resign in response to the accusations.

Next Steps

Aitken has pledged to cooperate with any investigation and stressed that the facts should determine the outcome. Ballinas remains a city employee, and officials must balance transparency with privacy and personnel rules while the matter is addressed.