government
Former LAFD chief sues Bass, says mayor should pay out of pocket for campaign remarks
By Richard Winton at Los Angeles Times - California
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Crowley's new lawsuit on Tuesday sues Bass personally for defamation. She argues that comments the mayor made on the campaign trail aren't protected by government immunity.
Key takeaway She argues that comments the mayor made on the campaign trail aren't protected by government immunity.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The lawsuit filed by the former LAFD chief against Mayor Bass raises questions about the limits of campaign rhetoric and the financial liabilities of elected officials in Los Angeles . By suing Bass personally, Crowley is attempting to hold the mayor accountable for comments made during the campaign, which could set a precedent for future elections. This case may encourage candidates to be more mindful of their words on the campaign trail, potentially altering the tone of local politics. The outcome of this lawsuit will be closely watched by city officials and residents, as it could have implications for how elected officials in Los Angeles balance their public duties with their roles as political candidates. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to a shift in how campaign finance and personal liability are handled in the city.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Los Angeles stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering government and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Crowley's new lawsuit on Tuesday sues Bass personally for defamation. She argues that comments the mayor made on the campaign trail aren't protected by government immunity.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Richard Winton at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More government →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter