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Inglewood mayor accused of groping teen storms out of interview as reelection hangs by a thread
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Butts’s strongest case is that the allegation remains unproven, which he denies, and that a government claim is a preliminary legal filing rather than a finding of wrongdoing. He may reasonably view questions framed around residents’ concerns about his character as prejudicial, particularly during an election, and argue that voters should assess his record and the evidence fairly.
The case against
The strongest case against Butts is that an allegation of non-consensual touching and restraint involving a teenager is serious and merits direct, accountable answers from a public official. Residents can reasonably expect him to address the allegation and explain his response, while recognising that the claim has not established that misconduct occurred.