Antonio Villaraigosa

Antonio Villaraigosa has faced various controversies throughout his career, though he has not been convicted of or indicted for corruption, fraud, or bribery. Reported concerns include: Behested payments: As Governor, Gavin Newsom requested that a nonprofit, California Forward, pay Villaraigosa $381,820 over 10 months in 2022 to serve as an infrastructure adviser. The funding for this salary was supplemented by undisclosed corporate donors, including utility companies and industry groups, raising transparency questions. Lobbying and influence: Critics accused Villaraigosa of using political influence to lobby for the contract renewal of a Malibu city manager with personal ties to his relative, leading to an external review for potential Brown Act violations. Additionally, he faced blog-based allegations of pension mismanagement during his tenure as Mayor, though no formal charges were filed. Political shifts: Villaraigosa has been criticized for accepting significant campaign contributions from oil-linked donors while warning of rising gas prices and refinery closures, which critics describe as a pivot from his long-standing climate advocacy. Divorce proceedings: In 2024, his divorce proceedings involved public disputes over financial assets, spousal support, and a postmarital agreement he requested to be enforced.