Former state employee Judith Blackwell is reportedly dropping the sexual harassment complaint against California Treasurer Fiona Ma and settling other claims, ending a three-year civil court case.
The complaint included allegations of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and wrongful termination, with Blackwell accusing Treasurer Ma of exposing herself and crawling into bed with her when they shared a hotel room.
The big picture: The court had previously dismissed the allegations of racial discrimination and wrongful termination, and this week, Blackwell’s lawyers moved to relieve Ma of the sexual harassment complaint.
- A separate settlement agreement of $350,000 was reached between the state and Blackwell, releasing the State Treasurer’s Office of any allegations of wrongdoing.
Driving the news: The case was expected to go to trial next month, focusing on sexual harassment and emotional distress charges after allegations of wrongful termination and discrimination were already dismissed.
- Fiona Ma, who is running for lieutenant governor in 2026, has denied the allegations, stating they were frivolous, and expressed relief that the case is behind her.
- “I’m not happy they’re getting anything. I really wanted my day in court,” Ma told KCRA. “But now I can put it behind me, and I guess that’s a relief. It’s been a long three years, and I’ve learned anyone can file a lawsuit against anybody else, say things that are not substantiated or proven. And it takes time, it takes money, it takes a lot of heartache to go through a process like that.”
Photo: Gage Skidmore
