US civil rights icon, Cesar Chavez’s saintly image was tainted with some shocking allegations of child abuse and serial rape. The New York Times’ bombshell investigation uncovered allegations against the American labour icon on March 18, 2026 (ET). The revelation came two decades after his demise, and at the centre of the report is the 96-year-old, Dolores Huerta, one of the most influential labour activists of the 20th century.
Dolores made headlines for breaking a 60-year silence, and accusing Cesar Chavez of manipulating and raping her and revealed for the first time that he fathered two of her children through “forced” encounters. So, as the news creates buzz online, let’s take a quick look at who Cesae was and the secrets surrounding his career.
Who was Cesar Chavez?
