California leaders react to Cesar Chavez abuse allegations

US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, who was known for advocating for the rights of farm workers, has been accused of sexual abuse.

Dolores Huerta said in the 1960s, Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union (UFW) with her, once "manipulated and pressured" her into having sex, and on another occasion forced her.

It comes after the New York Times published an investigation that detailed allegations from Huerta and two other women, who said Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls who were involved in the labour movement during the 1960s and 1970s.

Chavez, who died in 1993 aged 66, rallied California's farmworkers from the 1950s to push for improvements in working conditions, and led national boycotts and marches.

The news has prompted Los Angeles and other communities to consider renaming places, schools, and streets named after Chavez.

Read more