Historic Latino Leader Cesar Chavez Reportedly Accused Of Abusing 'Young Women Or Minors'

Historic Latino leader Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a civil rights figure in the 1960s, is now being accused of abusing "young women or minors."

The United Farm Workers (UFW), which Chavez founded, said it learned of "deeply troubling allegations" against him, adding that he allegedly "behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values."

"Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing," the organization added.

The document went on to clarify it does not have "firsthand knowledge" of the allegations, but they are "serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose."

As a result, the UFW said it won't take part in any activities related to Cesar Chavez Day, which takes place in several states on March 31.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation released a similar statement, saying it has "become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW)."

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing. The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment," the document added.

Cesar Chavez Day was established as a federal commemorative holiday in 2014 by President Barack Obama. It sought to honor Chavez due to his activism for farmworker and immigrant rights. Decades of boycotts, protests and strikes led to the improvement of wages and working conditions for the groups he led.