With the West Hollywood City Council meeting next week for the second time since sexual harassment accusations against Mayor John Duran from within the Gay Men’s Chorus became public, a new Change.org petition asks for Duran to resign.

West Hollywood City Councilman John Duran was sworn in as the city’s mayor in 2018. (photo by John Viscott)

“While your many years of service to the city of West Hollywood, and your many accomplishments with LGBT equality, HIV/AIDS and other issues are, and will remain important, don’t let your blind ego tarnish the rest of your legacy,” the petition states. “It is time to step down and let us all move on.”

The petition, a ceremonial gesture that will be sent to the city manager and council members, was started by Elyse Eisenberg, chair of the West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association. As of Wednesday afternoon, it nearly reached its goal of 100 signatures.

“It’s very sad he doesn’t see what he’s doing to the city and his reputation,” she said.

Earlier this month, accusations from two Gay Men’s Chorus members who claimed Duran placed his hand inside their waistbands were reported by the Los Angeles Times. An independent investigation did not uncover any evidence to support one of those accusers. Two chorus leaders said the other one was never reported internally as far as they knew. A third accuser, Joey Firoben, said Duran made a vulgar comment to him during a 2015 performance, and nothing happened after he reported it to the chorus. Duran denies any wrongdoing, but said he recalled making an offensive joke to Firoben before apologizing. He’s resisted calls by the other four council members for him to step down as mayor, and protests from residents asking him to resign from the council, including the petition.

“I can’t just be distracted by the issue of the day,” Duran said.

At the Feb. 19 City Council meeting, council members asked for an agenda item at their next meeting to discuss Duran’s status on the council. Duran was absent due to blood clots in his legs, according to a statement he prepared, which was read during public comment by West Hollywood resident Marco Colantonio. In the statement, Duran said he “will never admit conduct that never occurred. That would be dishonest and done for expediency rather than truth.” Many residents have said they think multiple accusations, including one by a city employee several years ago that led to a $500,000 settlement paid by the city of West Hollywood, warrant Duran’s removal from the council.

Citing his recent health concerns, Duran accelerated his departure as chairman of the board for the Gay Men’s Chorus. He said he had already planned to step down later this year, and was going to stick to that timeline following the accusations. Steven Le Vine, a now-former public relations representative for the chorus, said on Feb. 14 that the chorus’ board of directors voted unanimously to support Duran continuing as the chairman. Duran instead stepped down effective last week, but he will remain on the board until July.

Steve Holzer, previously the chorus’ vice chair, will serve as chairman until July. The chorus is also looking for a new executive director after parting ways with Jonathan Weedman, who held the position for two years.