American actor James Woods harshly criticized Nithya Raman, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, for her past stance in favor of defunding the police, a position that has generated controversy during the election campaign.
“Defund the police,” Woods wrote, questioning the ideas
Raman championed during her first campaign for City Council in 2020.
In his message, the actor warned of the potential
consequences Raman's election would have for the city's safety. He even
recommended that residents take precautions in their homes and expressed his
fear that Los Angeles would suffer even greater deterioration during a
potential term for the candidate.
Woods' criticism comes amid the Los Angeles mayoral race,
where public safety, crime, homelessness, and the police budget are among the
top issues and have put Democrats at a disadvantage.
Raman, who previously supported downsizing the Los Angeles
Police Department (LAPD), has shifted her position. In recent statements, she
has advocated maintaining the current police force and ensuring that emergency
services respond promptly to citizen calls. This stance may be merely for the
campaign.
The candidate has explained that her position evolved from
her experience in city government and her analysis of the city's security needs
and budget constraints.
Critics question her previous positions, which they believe
will be implemented if she is elected, while Raman maintains that the city
needs sufficient officers to handle emergencies.