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Parties issue joint statement blaming political actors for character assassination
July 31, 2024 (San Diego) - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the former chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a two-year-old lawsuit alleging assault was withdrawn by Oscar Rendon. The District Attorney earlier declined to file charges against Rodriguez-Kennedy.
Rodriguez-Kennedy and Rendon today issued this joint statement: “Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain. It is unfortunate that certain political actors took advantage of this misunderstanding in an effort to damage William's reputation and career. “With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives. William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”
Marlea Dell’Anno, attorney for Rodriguez-Kennedy, pointed to an increasing rise of violence and harassment in local and national political discourse as a contributing factor in the severe harm suffered by her client. “Our position was clear from day one: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy was always innocent. Will and Oscar have reconciled, and we have identified the true villains in this tragic story of political violence.”
While celebrating the news, Dell’Anno opened the door to future litigation in response to this particularly dark political attack, stating, “Today we celebrate the truth: my client is innocent. Tomorrow, we begin assessing our legal options for holding accountable the people responsible for this egregious act.”
Calling the allegations false at the time, Rodriguez-Kennedy took a leave of absence as local party Chairman in 2022 to enable the party’s work to continue. The party recently suffered loss of Chair Rebecca Taylor, who died earlier this month in a motorcycle accident in Utah.
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