Anaheim Mayor Denies Allegations of Racial Slur and Misconduct

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has denied accusations that she referred to her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, as a 'dirty Mexican.' Aitken issued her first direct denial on Thursday, stating that the allegations are serious and warrant investigation. She emphasized that she did not use the racial slur attributed to her and that she has always supported the LGBTQ community. Aitken's comments follow a mediation letter from Ballinas' attorney, which claims that Aitken made derogatory remarks about Ballinas' ethnicity and questioned her sexuality during a trip to Disneyland. The letter alleges that Aitken made the slur while Ballinas was driving her home and that she made inappropriate comments regarding a Disney employee's sexual orientation. The allegations have prompted a call for an investigation by Councilwoman Natalie Meeks. City spokesman Mike Lyster confirmed that an investigation is underway but did not provide details on its scope or timeline. Aitken is facing reelection in approximately one month, competing against Dr. Imran Sharief and Alfredo Rodriguez. Residents and activists have called for her resignation at recent City Council meetings. The Anaheim City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday at 5 p.m.