Following the release of a claim Thursday, Oct. 1, filed with the city by her chief of staff involving allegations of intoxication, harassment and racist remarks, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken issued a public statement Friday that she “had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol” she has been getting help with.
She also repeated in the new statement that she denies the slurs being attributed to her.
“This week has been incredibly humbling, and caused me to reflect on balancing my privacy with my public life. About a year and a half ago, in June of 2025, I left a conference early to check myself into the Betty Ford Center,” Aitken said in the statement posted to her Instagram page.
“I realized I had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and needed help managing the stress and responsibilities in my life. I spent 30 days beginning a new journey of hope and recovery,” she said.
“Every sober journey gets rocky, and I hit a bump this past June and drank at a birthday event,” she also added. “I disappointed myself and committed to start again. I share this because I’m not going to pretend that part of my life didn’t happen simply because it is now uncomfortable for me to speak of or politically damaging to acknowledge it. I am proud that I asked for help, grateful to the people who helped me, and committed to continuing my recovery.”
The statement was posted an hour after Aitken’s colleagues on the City Council left a Friday morning closed-door discussion of the claim lodged with the city by her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas. There were no reported actions taken during the meeting, officials said afterward.
The claim made public as part of the agenda item’s supporting documents alleges Ballinas “suffered ongoing harassment,” while serving as Aitken’s right-hand aide, and faced “intrusive questioning concerning her perceived sexual orientation, her Mexican heritage and her Catholic faith.”
The claim, which outlines examples spanning October 2024 to June, alleges Aitken participated in several public events while intoxicated, including an April 2025 City Council meeting, a Disneyland 70th Anniversary event, during which she was interviewed on television, and several luncheons where her conduct allegedly prompted concern and comments from public officials, including an Orange County supervisor and Disneyland Resort representatives.
Aitken said in her statement that though she has since sought help, “none of that excuses excessive alcohol consumption at conferences or locally.”
“But accepting responsibility for my alcohol consumption does not equate to the more serious allegations that have been made against me,” she added. “I have denied the slurs attributed to me, and I stand by that denial.”
Several councilmembers have said they support an investigation, with at least two councilmembers saying they’d call for Aitken’s resignation if the allegations are confirmed.
The city has enlisted an independent investigator as of Thursday, Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster said. The investigation into the allegations “could take several months.”
“I welcome the independent investigation and will cooperate truthfully. Where I made mistakes, I will own them,” Aitken said in her statement. “As to other allegations, I trust the evidence will bear out the truth.”
“I had hoped to share this on my own terms, but life had different plans for me. I regret not believing that my Anaheim community would support me, and should have given people the chance to offer their wisdom and support,” Aitken said in her statement. “I am not perfect. My recovery is not a straight line. I apologize to anyone burdened by my drinking, especially my family. They all deserved better from me. I vow to continue the journey and be a better leader for Anaheim.”