Anaheim Reviews 25-Page Claim Accusing Mayor Aitken of Slurs, Harassment Before Nov. 3 Election
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 2
Anaheim Reviews 25-Page Claim Accusing Mayor Aitken of Slurs, Harassment Before Nov. 3 Election
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 2
Summary
A 25-page government claim by Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas accuses Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken of harassment, discrimination and retaliation tied to Ballinas' perceived sexual orientation, Mexican heritage and Catholic faith.
Ballinas alleges Aitken repeatedly appeared intoxicated at city-related events, including an April 2025 council meeting and a May 2025 Disneyland outing, and says the mayor called her a "dirty Mexican" and refused a ride from "a Mexican."
June 10, 2026 allegations add that Aitken drank at Club 33, repeatedly questioned Ballinas about being a lesbian, and made other intrusive remarks; Disney later sent a complaint about "rude, insensitive, and inappropriate remarks."
Aitken denied using the racial slur, said the allegations should be investigated, and pledged to cooperate as Anaheim conducts an independent review.
The claim says Ballinas was forced onto leave around July 31 after reporting the conduct, putting the allegations over the mayor's office as Aitken seeks another term in the Nov. 3 election.