### Mayor Johnson Condemns Misconduct Following Termination of Communications Director Ronnie Reese

Amid allegations of sexual harassment, misogyny, racism, and other abusive behavior, Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faced a significant shake-up with the termination of his former communications director, Ronnie Reese. The mayor emphasized that his administration holds a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of intolerance or abuse, but did not provide extensive details about the scandal.

In a statement to the Tribune, Johnson remarked, "While my administration does not comment on specific personnel issues, I want to be clear to the people of Chicago that any form of intolerance, sexism, antisemitism, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, or abuse is completely unacceptable in my administration."

The Tribune reported that Reese, a close friend of Johnson who had led the mayor's press office since Johnson took office in May 2023, was dismissed last month after three internal complaints surfaced. These allegations included unwanted physical contact, disparaging comments about marginalized communities, and intimidation tactics.

Reese, who previously served as the press secretary for Johnson's mayoral campaign and as a spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union, has "strongly and unequivocally" denied all accusations. "There are many, many others who know my character, and who know the truth," Reese stated. "I stand confident in that truth as I continue to prioritize my wife, my children, and the health of my family in the next chapter of my career."

The complaints against Reese detailed a workplace environment rife with fear and retribution, noting that he often asserted he was "untouchable" and not subject to termination. Despite these claims, Reese was eventually terminated following intervention by city human resources.

Controversy also surrounded Mayor Johnson's chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, who was made aware of the allegations but allegedly failed to address them promptly. According to the records, Reese maintained his position for months after the formal complaints were filed this summer. When Pacione-Zayas eventually organized a meeting with Reese's staffers, she reportedly suggested resolving the issues through "peace circles" and "restorative justice," which was met with pushback.

In a bid to address the aftermath of Reese's tenure, an administration source disclosed that steps had been initiated to place Reese on the city's do-not-hire list, barring him from future employment within any city department or agency. Additionally, the source confirmed that the process had begun to review and potentially remove individuals Reese had placed on this punitive list, although a specific timeline was not provided.

The internal complaints against Reese were precipitated by the firing of three press office staffers last summer, who were subsequently placed on the city's do-not-hire list. This highly contentious move targeted employees who had raised concerns about mistreatment by Reese and another senior staffer. Of the three, two women remain on the list, while the male staffer successfully appealed for removal.

The incident has brought to light significant issues within Mayor Johnson's administration, prompting calls for greater transparency and more decisive action against misconduct.