Huizar Admits Having Affair with Former Deputy Chief of Staff

By City News Service

Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar on Thursday admitted having an affair with his former deputy chief of stafff, but he denied harassing the woman, who is suing him for alleged sexual harassment.

Francine Godoy filed a lawsuit today against Huizar in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging her former boss offered to support her in an election campaign in exchange for sex.

Robert Alaniz, a spokesman for Huizar attorney Dennis Walsh, said Huizar denies the claims of "illegal sexual behavior,'' and said other allegations are "absolutely false and malicious.''

Alaniz also said Huizar and Godoy had a "consensual'' relationship that Huizar now "deeply regrets.''

According to Godoy's lawsuit, Huizar suggested in 2012 that Godoy run for a seat on the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees.

On Oct. 8, 2012, Huizar called Godoy to his office and said that "if she wanted his continued support in her campaign for the (community college board), she would have to have sex with him,'' according to the lawsuit.

After Godoy refused, Huizar grew angry and began yelling and cursing at her, the lawsuit claims.

Alaniz said the councilmember and Godoy "had an occasional and consensual relationship, which the councilmember deeply regrets. He has apologized to his wife and family and he and his wife are currently working on repairing their marriage.''

Alaniz said that by filing the sexual harassment suit, Godoy is trying to "damage the council member's reputation because he would not help advance her career as she expected.''