Former LA Councilmember Gil Cedillo is suing the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor over leaked audio tapes originally recorded at the labor group’s headquarters. His suit alleges that the recordings’ release was “designed to kneecap” his political future and damage his reputation.
Cedillo is seeking punitive and compensatory damages, among other things, for the loss of job opportunities, income, and for having his reputation tarnished.
The charges were filed by Cedillo’s legal team Friday afternoon. The Los Angeles Times first reported on the lawsuit.
Also named as defendants are Karla Vasquez and Santo Leon, two former employees of the federation who are married to each other.
Police searched the Eagle Rock home of Vazquez and Leon in July with a search warrant alleging eavesdropping and destroying or concealing evidence, neither have been charged.
Cedillo alleges that the couple “compromised” the conference room to secretly record a conversation between Cedillo, Councilmember Kevin de León, former Council President Nury Martinez and former President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Ron Herrera.
The tapes, containing disparaging and racist remarks, were leaked nearly a year ago and became one of L.A.’s biggest political scandals — roiling City Hall and leading to a push to reform how council districts are drawn.
Cedillo, a longtime political figure in California, last served on the LA City Council in 2022.
His lawyer Brian Kabateck provided a copy of the lawsuit to LAist, but declined to comment.
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has not returned our request for a comment.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that de León has filed a lawsuit against Vazquez and Leon over the leaked tapes.
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