Mayor Johnson’s Ex-Comms Director Faced Misconduct Complaints Before Firing
Accusations of Sexual Harassment and Creating a Hostile Work Environment
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ex-communications director, former campaign spokesman and longtime confidant Ronnie Reese was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment before being forced out of City Hall last month.
Three Complaints Filed against Reese
Three complaints were filed against Reese over the past year, according to city personnel records, including one from a female staffer in the mayor’s press office who claimed Reese made her “severely uncomfortable” with unwanted hugs during a farewell party for another employee.
Reese Denies Allegations
“I strongly and unequivocally deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” Reese said in a text message to the Sun-Times. “Throughout my career, I have carried myself with the utmost professionalism and respect for all of my peers, something to which many of my former colleagues at the City of Chicago and previous employers can attest.”
Allegations of Xenophobic, Homophobic, and Anti-Latine Behavior
The allegations also included “xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-Latine behavior.” According to documents obtained by the Sun-Times through a Freedom of Information Act request, several team members indicated that Reese “blatantly indicated that he was ‘untouchable’ and couldn’t be fired.”
Complaints Stated Reese Refused to Share Work-Related Information
Team members indicated that Reese refused to share work-related information that impacted their jobs, had unrealistic expectations, and often created or contributed to conflict within the team, according to one of the complaints.
City’s Response
In a July 30 email, an equal employment opportunity officer for the city’s human resources department advised Johnson’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, to hold a “coaching meeting” over the complaints.
Reese should be informed that he needs to treat all staff equally and not engage in misogynistic behavior, avoid physical contact (including hugs) with staff, refrain from telling employees how to style themselves, and avoid referring to protected categories such as sexual orientation, race, national origin, and ancestry unless required as part of an official assignment, the officer wrote.
Firing and Replacement
Reese was placed on leave in October and fired November 5 “for failure to meet professional standards,” records show.
Background
For a year and a half, Reese led a City Hall press operation for Johnson that has seen a revolving door of media relations staffers. Reese and Johnson were longtime friends dating back to their time at the Chicago Teachers Union, where Johnson worked as an organizer and Reese as a deputy press secretary under former CTU presidents Karen Lewis, Jesse Sharkey, and Stacy Davis Gates.
Mayor’s Statement
Johnson, speaking Monday at an unrelated news conference, maintained he has zero tolerance for hatred or discrimination of any kind.
“I can speak for Brandon Johnson. … I do not tolerate antisemitic, misogynistic, sexist, racist xenophobic, anti-Blackness, anti-immigrant behavior. I don’t. That’s not how I was raised,” the mayor said.
Conclusion
Reese’s departure from City Hall has raised questions about the city’s handling of misconduct complaints and the impact on the staff who worked under him. While Reese denies any wrongdoing, the allegations against him highlight the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
FAQs
* What were the allegations against Ronnie Reese?
+ Allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment
* How many complaints were filed against Reese?
+ Three complaints over the past year
* What were the specific allegations in the complaints?
+ Reese made a female staffer “severely uncomfortable” with unwanted hugs, and exhibited xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-Latine behavior
* How did the city respond to the allegations?
+ Held a “coaching meeting” with Reese and considered firing him for failure to meet professional standards
* What is the mayor’s stance on discrimination and harassment?
+ Mayor Johnson has zero tolerance for hatred or discrimination of any kind
