# Inglewood mayor accused of groping teen storms out of interview as reelection hangs by a thread

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/inglewood-mayor-accused-of-groping-teen-storms-out-of-interview-as-reelection-hangs-by-a-thread/
- Published: 2026-11-05T15:04:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T15:23:54+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/05/us-news/inglewood-mayor-james-butts-storms-out-of-interview-as-reelection-hangs-by-a-thread/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Butts ended an interview after questions about his character and the allegations.
- He trails Gloria Gray, 32.65% to 29.22%, in the mayoral race.
- A student has filed a government claim over the alleged September incident.

## Summary

Inglewood Mayor James Butts walked out of a television interview after a reporter asked about residents’ concerns over his character and his response to allegations that he inappropriately touched a teenage cheerleader. Butts called the questions a “setup” and “ridiculous”; the exchange comes as he trails in his bid for a fifth term and the election appears headed for a runoff.

Butts has denied misconduct and described the September allegation as politically motivated. On 2 November, the student filed a government claim against him and the city, alleging he touched and restrained her without consent; the filing may precede a lawsuit. Wednesday morning figures showed City Councilmember Gloria Gray on 32.65% and Butts on 29.22%, with a possible March runoff if results hold.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.