SEATTLE — Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz filed a $10 million claim against the city earlier this month alleging discrimination and harassment.
Diaz, who was removed as police chief and reassigned in May, claimed he was wrongfully discharged. Diaz also alleged he was discriminated, harassed and retaliated against after expressing his sexual orientation to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess.
The claim further alleges that Diaz refused to commit an illegal act, leading to adverse consequences. Jacob Downs, Diaz’ attorney, said demands were made of Diaz regarding an officer’s actions, and Diaz refused to do what he was told, because it would violate the officer’s due process.
A spokesperson from the mayor’s office denied the allegations in the claim for damages.
Diaz came out to the administration in January/February, according to Downs. Downs said Harrell told Diaz all the right things at the time, but Diaz later got pushback from the administration.
Several months after coming out to city leadership, four female officers filed a $5 million claim alleging they dealt with bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination at the hands of Diaz and other leadership.
Downs said the city “weaponized” the claims, and Diaz was effectively “muzzled” from responding to the female officers’ claims, because the administration wanted him to keep quiet about his sexuality.
Diaz came out publicly in June when he shared his sexuality in an interview with radio personality Jason Rantz.
The claim for damages was filed Oct. 11. Diaz and his attorneys must wait 60 days after filing the claim to file suit, according to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.
A Seattle City Attorney’s Office spokesperson said Wednesday they acknowledged the claim.
The Office of Police Accountability said it had no comment.