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In an interview with The Times, Diego also accused Shepperd of groping backstage during performances and making a graphic sexual proposition. “I think there needs to be space created to have an open and ongoing conversation among queer theater executives about this theme of how we use sexuality amongst each other in our work and our work spaces,” Diego told The Times, “and how we end up in ways big and small bringing repulsive behavior into our spaces.”
Shepperd, who had served as artistic director or co-artistic director of the theater from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2013 to the present, denied the accusations and in a statement criticized the investigation as “a secret report that Celebration Theatre has refused to share with Michael or even provide details thereof.”
Andrew Diego had no idea what was going on across the street from Harun Coffee in Leimert Park on Tuesday. The young barista was just doing his job, taking orders for lattes and cold brews.
But he was the perfect example of why a group of Black and Latino activists and labor leaders had called a news conference to demand more equity in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
“We’re asking the local government to step up to the plate, to the original plan that the state of California had rolled out,” said Simboa Wright, a board member with Service Employees International Union Local 721. “We have folks that are going to work to serve the public every day, every night, 24/7, to make sure that services are rendered to you.”