Sen. Grassley: LA Mayor failed to act on knowledge of sexual harrassement

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has asked to delay the nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as United States Ambassador to India, citing an ongoing investigation into Garcetti’s possible knowledge of – and failure to act upon – sexual misconduct against city employees during his time as mayor.

Grassley’s office released a statement on Thursday saying they have received “numerous credible allegations” against Garcetti, alleging he knew about repeated sexual misconduct by his closest advisor, Rick Jacobs.

Grassley wrote in a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that he would not vote to confirm Garcetti until his office had completed its investigation into the allegations.

“Mayor Garcetti may very well be fully qualified, but at this time, the Senate needs to look into these allegations further,” Grassley wrote. “Until my staff and I have conducted a thorough investigation and are able to speak with everyone involved I cannot vote to confirm Mr. Garcetti.”

“The United States owes it to the Republic of India to send them a qualified ambassador that will represent the values of the United States,” Grassley added.