Los Angeles Councilman Mike Bonin Responds To Colleagues’ Apologies Over Leaked Audio: “First You Must Resign And Then Ask For Forgiveness”
deadline.comLos Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin choked back tears on Tuesday as he described hearing of the leaked audio conversation in which one of his colleagues made racist remarks about his Black son and another compared his child to a fashion accessory. “There are a lot of people who are now asking for forgiveness,” Bonin told the pack chambers of the council. “… First you must resign and then ask for forgiveness.” Councilwoman Nury Martinez announced earlier on Tuesday that she was taking a leave of absence from the council, after stepping down from her post as City Council president.
She was heard on the audio recording, published by the Los Angeles Times on Sunday, describing Bonin’s young son as a “monkey.” Councilman Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo also took part in the conversation, which took place last year.
They also have apologized, but have so far remained on the council even as a number of political leaders have called for them to step down.
De Leon was heard on the recording appearing to compare Bonin’s appearances with his son to the use of a Luis Vuitton handbag.
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