Dolores Huerta Says Cesar Chavez Raped Her in First Interview Since NYT Report
Mar 21st 2026 · World
In her first public interview since a New York Times investigation, Dolores Huerta, 95, says Cesar Chavez raped her in the 1960s, explains why she kept the assaults secret for decades, and praises other women for coming forward.
- Huerta told Latino USA she was raped by Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and kept it secret for about 60 years to avoid harming the farmworker movement.
- She described two separate encounters that resulted in two daughters who were raised by other family members.
- Huerta said she did not confront Chavez at the time and now regrets not doing so.
- The revelations follow a New York Times investigation that included allegations that Chavez raped and abused women and girls, including two who say they were minors in the 1970s.
- The Chavez family called the allegations deeply painful, asked for privacy, and said they commend the survivors for their courage.
- Huerta said she supports other survivors, will continue farmworker advocacy, and is relying on a strong support system.