Married Seattle police chief accused of sexually harassing female colleagues comes out as gay
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has come out as gay after being accused of sexually harassing four female colleagues.
The surprise announcement from the former officer of 30 years, who is also married with children, comes amid swirling claims against him for alleged ‘predatory behavior’ towards female officers.
His ex-colleagues Kame Spencer, Jean Gulpan, Valerie Carson and Lauren Truscott have launched a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing him of “grooming” them.
One of the female officers said he tried to walk in while she was undressing between shifts, while another said he made her feel uncomfortable by constantly making comments about her appearance and clothing.
In his first public comments since the allegations came to light, Diaz denied the claims and said he has privately struggled with his identity for a long time.
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has come out as gay after being accused of sexually harassing four female colleagues
“It’s a story that I’ve struggled with for the last four years, which is that I’m a gay Latino man,” Diaz said in an emotional interview with The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH.
“You know, I don’t care. It’s more my concern for my children because they’re going to have to deal with a lot of the issues that I might not have to deal with.”
“I know that I have always been true to myself and always treated people well and respectfully,” he added.
‘I have never done that. Those challenges to your character are really difficult.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell demoted Diaz from his position in late May over the allegations and replaced him with Sue Rahr as interim chief of police.
Harrell described the move as a “mutual decision” and said Diaz would work on “special projects” instead.
He added that Diaz had informed him of his sexual orientation several months ago.
Diaz’s ex-colleagues Kame Spencer, Jean Gulpan, Valerie Carson and Lauren Truscott have launched a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing him of “grooming” them. (Photo: Lauren Truscott)
Diaz’s ex-colleagues Kame Spencer, Jean Gulpan, Valerie Carson and Lauren Truscott have launched a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing him of “grooming” them. (Photo: Jean Gulpan)
In his first public comments since the allegations came to light, Diaz denied the claims and said he had privately struggled with his identity for a long time.
“Former Chief Diaz informed Mayor Harrell and his administration’s staff of his sexual orientation several months ago,” the mayor’s office said. KOMO news in a statement.
“Mayor Harrell supports him now, as he did then, because he shares this about himself and is an authentic leader.
“How former Chief Diaz’s sexual orientation will be addressed at trial will be left to the courts, and we will not comment on pending litigation.”
Diaz told Rantz that he realized he was gay in 2020 and has struggled to come to terms with it since.
He said he came out to his family, prompting a series of “difficult conversations” with his wife and children.
‘I didn’t manage to just come out. And that was a struggle,” Diaz said.
Diaz’s ex-colleagues Kame Spencer, Jean Gulpan, Valerie Carson and Lauren Truscott have launched a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing him of “grooming” them. (Photo: Kame Spencer)
Diaz’s ex-colleagues Kame Spencer, Jean Gulpan, Valerie Carson and Lauren Truscott have launched a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing him of “grooming” them. (Photo: Valerie Carson)
The former top cop added that the allegations pushed him to make his sexuality public, along with wanting to be his authentic self in the future.
He revealed to Rantz that he now has a role within the Austin Police Department.
“I want to make sure people understand who I am,” he said. ‘I want to live my truth. I don’t want to be hidden behind a curtain or something like that.
“I want another opportunity to serve a city.” And you know, it’s not easy when false accusations are made against you.
“I don’t want to have any secrets if I decide to go to another city.”
Diaz joined the Seattle Police Department in 1997 and rose to interim chief in September 2020 before assuming the permanent role in January 2023.