Former Fire Chief Accuses LA Mayor Karen Bass Of Defamation In New Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing a new lawsuit from former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley who claims in the mayor has damaged her reputation and continues to make false statements about her handling of last year's devastating Palisades Fire.

The lawsuit alleges the incumbent mayor made false statements about Crowley while on the campaign trail vying for reelection. It argues Bass did not have immunity as a government official when she made statements about Crowley and should pay out of her own pocket.

RELATED: Bass Directed Watering Down Of Report On Palisades Fire: Report

Crowley is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory damages.

The lawsuit points to a mayoral debate last month when Bass responded to a question about LAFD's operational budget and a lack of fire engines due to cuts. The suitr allehes Bass falsely blamed Crowley during the debate. Crowley said she publicly opposed the budget cuts.

RELATED: Defense Witness Insists Fireworks, Not Arson Suspect Caused Pre-Palisades Fire Blaze

Crowley also filed a lawsuit in February, months after she was removed from her post as LAFD chief. Bass said she ousted Crowley because she did not pre-deploy firefighters when the Pacific Palisades fire erupted on Jan. 7, 2025.

Crowley appealed her removal to the Los Angeles City Council but was denied in March 2025 by a 13-2 vote. Crowley would have needed the support of at least 10 council members to overturn the mayor's decision.

RELATED: Palisades Rebuilding Subsidy Program Approved By City Council

Bass' office responded to the lawsuit on Wednesday in an email to Patch, which read:

"This is another meritless lawsuit from a disgruntled individual who was removed from her position."

Ronnie Villanueva, who was retired, was tapped to fill in as interim fire chief after Bass removed Crowley. Jaime Moore was confirmed as the new fire chief in November.

Crowley has been with LAFD for about 25 years. Since her removal as fire chief, Crowley has remained with LAFD as assistant chief.

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