The city has engaged the external law firm Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP to assist in an investigation following allegations against Segun Idowu, the city’s chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion.
A spokesperson confirmed the law firm’s involvement to the Globe on Wednesday. Idowu, who is a close aide to Mayor Michelle Wu, expressed his intention to fully cooperate with this review, stating that he aims to clear his name amid what he described as “outrageous insinuations” circulated against him.
In a statement relayed through his lawyer, Idowu emphasized his disappointment regarding the politicization of a law enforcement issue that he claims he had no connection with. He mentioned that such actions could distract from the achievements made over the past three and a half years in Boston.
According to city HR chief Lawrence, the city charter prohibits the council from intervening in employment matters, which includes the appointment or removal of city employees. Lawrence highlighted that any allegations of misconduct received by the city’s Human Resources team are reviewed carefully, and employment action is taken as appropriate.
While the city cannot comment further on this personnel matter, Lawrence urged the council to avoid actions that exceed its authority and could hinder an impartial review.
During a council meeting on Wednesday, Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson blocked an emergency resolution proposed by Councilors Murphy and Flynn. The resolution was submitted as a “late file,” which requires unanimous consent from the council to be added to the agenda. Fernandes Anderson’s objection prevented any discussion on the resolution.
Mayor Wu revealed that no allegations or reports of misconduct involving Idowu had been brought to the city’s attention prior to a Globe story that reported on claims made by Marwa Khudaynazar, a recently fired city employee. Khudaynazar accused Idowu of making inappropriate sexual advances towards her, including unwanted kissing and an invitation to a hotel room.
Khudaynazar alleged that she and her boyfriend, Chulan Huang, who also worked for the city, were dismissively fired to protect Idowu. This accusation comes amid a backdrop of domestic dispute reports; police arrested both Khudaynazar and Huang on May 15 following a 911 call.
Khudaynazar stated that the confrontation arose after she informed Huang about Idowu’s advances. This revelation reportedly upset Huang, leading to the domestic dispute. Both individuals mentioned their employment with the city during their police encounter, according to a police report.
Khudaynazar argued that this comment was taken out of context, claiming that the city’s HR department never questioned her about Idowu or related incidents during its internal review process.
In defense of the city’s actions, Mayor Wu maintained that the internal review process validated that Khudaynazar and Huang had invoked their employee status in an attempt to avoid arrest. Wu concluded that the decision to terminate their employment was justified based on these findings.
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