The Politician Who Cried Racism: Jason Lee Claims "Brown Act" is a Law Against Brown People

STOCKTON, CA – Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, facing allegations of Brown Act violations, has declared the accusation to be nothing short of a "racist dog whistle." Lee, a prominent Hollywood podcaster and Black City Councilmember, asserts that the very name of the open meeting law is a direct, racially charged attack.

"You're accusing me of violating the 'Brown Act'," Lee stated emphatically at a press conference, which was live-streamed to his millions of podcast listeners. "As a person of color, I find this to be a clear case of racism. Why do you think it's called the 'Brown...Act,' and I happen to be the only Black person on this council. Obviously racism."

Lee continued, suggesting the true issue isn't the allegations of "serial meetings," but rather "the weaponization of this racist dog whistle." He then launched into a passionate monologue about his unique struggles: "You don't know what it's like being a gay Black man in Hollywood coming back home to a town led by a bunch of country bumpkins. The city staff, suffering from a severe case of 'white fragility,' claim all I do is bully them."

Jason Lee then likened his challenges with city staff to that of Emmett Till, an innocent Black youth who was brutally murdered by a Mississippian lynch mob in 1955. "That's the same stuff that they said to Emmett Till," as Lee claimed Stockton employees felt threatened by his berating governance approach. Next month is the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till's racial murder.

Further cementing his stance as a victim, Lee elaborated on the immense difficulties of being a "gay Black millionaire podcaster in Hollywood." He explained, with visible emotion, the unique pressures and prejudices faced by those in his elevated position.

Vice Mayor Lee responded to Councilman Brando Villapudua's "extortion and Brown Act violation" allegations by unleashing "Hollywood's top defamation attorney" with a cease and desist letter. The move prompted many to ponder, with a hint of melancholy, "If only every person of color had access to high-priced Hollywood attorneys."

The legal maneuver comes amidst an increasingly public and acrimonious split between Lee and Mayor Christina Fugazi, who were once considered a political dream team. Lee took to social media to decry Mayor Fugazi for "throwing him under the bus" by siding with Councilman Villapudua. This public rebuke further solidifies the end of their political honeymoon, which began with Lee's crucial fundraising efforts for Fugazi's successful mayoral campaign last year. Lee now claims the "racism against him has been compounding," citing Fugazi's earlier decision to dissolve the city manager ad hoc committee, her alleged attempts to cover for interim City Manager Steve Colangelo's "misappropriation of DEI funds" (which culminated in Lee being gaveled down at a council meeting), and now her affirmation of the "extortion and Brown Act violation" claims.

Fellow Councilmember Mariela Ponce was approached for comment but was informed that medical professionals have placed her on strict vocal rest, citing "Comment-Induced Vocal Strain," a rare ailment that, regrettably, makes providing any public comment medically unadvisable.

Lee's close friend Don Lemon, a fellow gay Black man and media personality whom Lee recently honored at a black-tie event, publicly acknowledged Lee's accusations of racism.

Lemon echoed Lee's sentiments, stating that it is "hard to be Black, gay, and a Hollywood star." He then invoked the controversial case of Jesse Smollett, remarking, "Just look at what happened to Jesse a few years ago. First he was attacked by MAGA Trump voters in the middle of the night...in downtown Chicago, then he was accused and convicted of manufacturing a fake hate crime." Lemon, an early defender of Smollett, concluded by asserting his belief that "it's happening again to Jason Lee."

Is The Brown Act Racist? Jason Lee Says Yes