The political landscape of San Francisco’s District 8 is in turmoil following serious allegations of sexual assault against supervisor candidate Manny Yekutiel. The controversy has led to the withdrawal of significant endorsements, including those from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Lateefah Simon, and San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar.
The allegations stem from an incident reported by Brad Joseph Chapin, a political organizer who claims Yekutiel assaulted him at a house party in 2026. This development has cast a shadow over Yekutiel’s campaign, which includes the Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods, and has sparked a broader conversation about accountability in politics.
Allegations and Endorsement Withdrawals
Chapin’s allegations detail a distressing encounter where Yekutiel allegedly grabbed and twisted his testicles painfully, ignoring his pleas to stop. Chapin filed a police report this year, bringing the incident to light after years of silence. The seriousness of these claims has prompted key figures to reconsider their support for Yekutiel.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed deep respect for survivors coming forward and withdrew his endorsement, stating, “Given the seriousness of the allegations that have been raised, I am withdrawing my endorsement of Manny Yekutiel’s candidacy for San Francisco District 8 Supervisor.” Similarly, Rep. Lateefah Simon emphasized the importance of supporting victims and retracted her endorsement following the news.
The Impact on Yekutiel’s Campaign
Yekutiel, who is running in the November election, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. “These allegations are false. What is being described did not happen,” Yekutiel stated. Despite his denials, the fallout from the allegations has been significant, with a spokesperson for Yekutiel not responding to requests for comment on the withdrawn endorsements.
The controversy has also drawn attention from other candidates in the race. Gary McCoy, an aide for Rep. Nancy Pelosi and a rival for the District 8 office, described the allegations as “serious” and expressed support for Chapin. “What Brad has described is deeply troubling, and my thoughts are with him,” McCoy said, highlighting the broader implications for survivors of sexual assault.
Support for the Accuser
Ivy Lee, director of the Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights, found Chapin’s claims credible after speaking with him. She criticized the notion that the timing of the allegations was politically motivated, stating, “This is the tired and predictable playbook for alleged perpetrators: blame the victim, shame the victim, raise the specter of false accusations, despite the data evidencing the rarity of false reports.”
Chapin’s decision to come forward was influenced by Yekutiel’s growing visibility and the perceived inconsistency between his public persona and the alleged assault. Friends of Chapin have noted his distress upon encountering Yekutiel in public spaces, underscoring the emotional toll of the incident. Chapin’s parents urged him to come forward, recognizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
The allegations against Yekutiel have not only threatened his political future but also the moderate majority on the Board of Supervisors that Mayor Daniel Lurie hopes to maintain. As the investigation continues, the outcome of this controversy will have significant repercussions for San Francisco’s political landscape.
