Labor leader Dolores Huerta says she was assaulted by Cesar Chavez as allegations of abuse emerge

March 19, 2026

TL;DR

Dolores Huerta confirmed she had two non-consensual sexual encounters with Cesar Chavez, leading to pregnancies.
Huerta stated she kept these incidents secret for decades to protect the farmworker movement.
She described feeling manipulated and pressured by Chavez, her boss and a movement leader.
The allegations align with a New York Times report detailing broader abuse claims against Chavez.
Chavez's family expressed devastation, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and the UFW have issued statements supporting survivors.
The United Farm Workers union is distancing itself from Chavez and abstaining from Cesar Chavez Day activities.

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