Seattle Police Chief Comes Out as Gay After Harassment Allegations

Seattle's former Police Chief Adrian Diaz has come out as gay after facing multiple allegations of discrimination, harassment, and maintaining a hostile work environment by four female officers in his department.

As reported by NBC News, Diaz was removed from his post as chief and denies the allegations against him.

And in a chat with talk show host Jason Rants, Diaz addressed the elephant in the room when it comes to the timing of his coming out and the nature of his allegations.

"Just because you're a gay man doesn't mean you can't be a misogynist, but I know who I am, and I know what I've done," said Diaz. "I know that I've always been true to myself and I've always treated people well and respectfully."

Diaz was named Seattle's interim chief in 2020, after the previous chief Carmen Best resigned. Diaz said that he helped the department get through many controversies, including the 2010 police killing of John Williams and the resulting investigation.

But Diaz also allegedly had has share of controversies. His time at the helm was marred by lawsuits and other allegations. In May, a 30-year veteran of the department sued Diaz, and alleged that he was retaliated against after he reported discriminatory practices within the department.

Furthermore, one of the four female employees who filed claims against Diaz said that he would make advances toward her and touch her inappropriately.

Another woman claimed that she would be made to stay after work while Diaz talked at length about himself, and she said she felt she could not turn down his advances because he was her boss.

"Simply stated, chief Diaz seemingly engaged in predatory and discriminatory behavior," reads the claim. "It is apparent that he does not reprimand others, such Sgt. O'Neil, because he sees nothing wrong with it."

Diaz claimed the accusing women have a career-driven agenda.

"I think people want their own opportunities, and I was given the opportunity to serve as the chief," said Diaz said in the interview. "I think there's a lot of scrutiny and heartache. I think sometimes people feel like they deserve that opportunity."

Indeed, one of the women bringing a lawsuit agains t Diaz did apply for the chief job, and she claimed that she was demoted when Diaz got the job over her.

"You've done a whole host of work, and people start to lose sight of that work when people are making accusations," said Diaz in the radio interview. "Leadership brings scrutiny and I'm alright with that."

He added, "I hope people will see who I am and what I bring to the table, and I'm hoping for that opportunity and if not, I'll go back to the drawing board."

Only time will tell.