Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley is now personally suing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alleging the mayor defamed her during Bass’s reelection campaign. Crowley claims Bass made false public statements that damaged her reputation by blaming her for problems in the city’s response to the deadly Palisades Fire.
Bass dismissed Crowley in the aftermath of the fire, a decision that sparked controversy and led to legal action. In February, Crowley filed a separate lawsuit against the city, alleging Bass orchestrated a campaign of retaliation against her and removed her as fire chief to deflect criticism over the city’s handling of the disaster. The lawsuit also references scrutiny Bass faced for being out of the country when the fire broke out.
In the new complaint, Crowley argues the mayor’s campaign-related comments were knowingly false and fall outside the protections of government immunity. She is seeking damages directly from Bass rather than the city.
