Controversy Surrounds Inglewood Mayor Amid Allegations

Inglewood has been shaken recently by accusations against Mayor James T. Butts Jr. The allegations suggest inappropriate conduct with a high school student during a community event. Butts, serving as mayor since 2010, strongly denies these claims, calling them politically motivated.

At a news conference outside Inglewood City Hall, Butts addressed the allegations, insisting they stem from local activists engaged in a political struggle linked to major entertainment venues in the city. Standing with community leaders, he emphasized the attacks as baseless, highlighting the absence of any formal complaints from the alleged victim or her family.

The incident, which allegedly occurred at Inglewood’s “Votechella” event, remains unclear. The family of the student has refrained from public comment, reportedly on legal advice. Meanwhile, local activist Najee Ali, speaking at a separate conference, expressed the community’s responsibility to support young claims of misconduct without skepticism.

Witnesses at Votechella reported seeing the student visibly uncomfortable during a photo with Butts. These accounts, however, lack public identifiers due to safety concerns. In response, Butts announced cease-and-desist actions against key activists, asserting the accusations are unfounded.

The mayor also linked these attacks to political opponents, including those backing Measure BB. This measure, affecting city revenue from advertising, is supported by operators of the SoFi Stadium. Butts questioned connections between measure backers and the accusers but offered no specific details.

Throughout his tenure, Butts has overseen Inglewood’s transformation into a hub for major sports teams like the Rams and Chargers. State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor voiced support for Butts, stressing the need for responsible handling of serious allegations. McKinnor pointed out the lack of formal complaints or reports regarding the incident.

Inglewood City Attorney Rick Olivarez echoed this, noting no complaints have reached his office. The Inglewood Unified School District maintained its commitment to student protection but withheld comment on any active investigation.

Despite the controversy, Ali and activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson submitted a letter to the L.A. County district attorney, requesting a criminal investigation. Ali and Hutchinson claim the incident involved multiple witnesses, including mandatory reporters.

Yolanda Davidson, a City Council candidate, expressed ongoing concerns about Butts, citing the recent allegation as part of a broader pattern of disputed conduct. Historical allegations, such as those involving former aide Melanie McDade-Dickens and former treasurer Wanda Brown, had previously been dismissed by courts.