A California lawmaker currently being investigated for sexual harassment of a former legislative staff member is accused of making anti-Asian comments back in 2014.
California Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, a prominent face of the #MeToo movement, made the offensive remarks during a closed-door meeting of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, according to Politico.
Citing sources who attended the meeting, the report said Garcia was allegedly responding furiously to Asian American activists who are lobbying in favor of an affirmative action ban in the state’s college admissions.
“This makes me feel like I want to punch the next Asian person I see in the face,” she was quoted as saying.
Former California Assembly Speaker John Perez told the media outlet that he had to “strongly admonish” Garcia after the hateful comments. In the same year, Garcia reportedly admitted to using homophobic slurs against Perez.
Perez noted that while he is “unaware” if Garcia ever apologized for the comments against Asians, he pointed out that he has yet to receive any apology for the homophobic comments.
The 40-year-old Democrat, who represents parts of southeastern Los Angeles County, became recognized as a strong voice in the #MeToo movement in 2017.
Earlier this year, a former staff member for California Assemblyman Ian Calderon named Daniel Fierro claimed an intoxicated Garcia had groped and fondled him against his will right after the Assembly’s annual softball game in 2014.
Garcia is currently on an unpaid leave of absence as the investigation on the sexual misconduct allegation is underway.
