Inglewood Mayor James Butts denies allegations of misconduct

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. has denied allegations that he inappropriately touched a high school student during the city’s “Votechella” voter-registration event. During a news conference outside City Hall, Butts characterized the claims as “baseless, unsourced and completely false,” asserting that the accusations are part of a politically motivated smear campaign led by rivals and activists.

The controversy surfaced after Inglewood Commissioner Leonard Redway shared a video on social media alleging the misconduct occurred while posing for a photograph. While Redway later deleted the video, witnesses reported seeing the student appear visibly uncomfortable when the mayor pulled her close during a group photo.

The student’s family has not released a public statement, though a representative indicated they are following legal counsel and allowing an investigation to proceed. Butts, who has served as mayor since 2010, declined to take questions from reporters following his remarks.