Biden Calls for LA City Council Members to Resign Over Racist Remarks

Key Facts: Three members of the Los Angeles City Council are facing calls to resign from prominent Democratic Party leaders after the Los Angeles Times reported on a leaked audio recording in which council member Nury Martinez makes a number of racially disparaging statements. The largest voice to call for resignations is President Joe Biden, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who expressed the President’s opinion on Tuesday. 

Key Quotes: In the recording, Martinez talks about fellow council member Mike Bonin, who is white and has a black son. Martinez claimed Bonin “handled his young black son as though he were an accessory,” and called Bonin’s son “little monkey” in Spanish. She also described Oaxacan immigrants as “little short dark people” and called them ugly. Martinez apologized for the remarks, stating “this has been one of the most difficult times of my life and I recognize this is entirely of my own making,” adding “I am so sorry to the residents of Council District 6, my colleagues, and the City of Los Angeles.”

For Context: Martinez stepped down as president of the city council and announced a leave of absence. The leaked recording came from a redistricting meeting that took place last year. At a council meeting on Tuesday, protesters filled the halls with chants and demands for the members to resign. 

How the Media Covered It: The story gained national attention as Democratic Party leaders, notably President Biden, called for the council members featured on the recording to resign.