Felix G. Arroyo Is Denying Sexual Harassment Claims

He says the allegations that got him fired are part of a smear campaign.

Felix Arroyo Jr Marty Walsh

Photo courtesy of City of Boston Mayor’s Office

Felix G. Arroyo, Mayor Marty Walsh’s former health services chief who was fired amid accusations of sexual harassment, is denying the allegations, and says he is the victim of a smear campaign.

The denial was reported by the Boston Globe today, which obtained a copy of a complaint Arroyo filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination last week. It follows allegations from a City Hall staffer that he harassed her, slapped her behind, retaliated against her when she confronted him, and that he once grabbed her by the back of the neck.

The complaint includes references to text messages and witnesses he says will prove the allegations are baseless and that the alleged victim, who has not been identified, was “motivated primarily by a desire to destroy Mr. Arroyo’s reputation” and “cause him to lose his job.”

Arroyo was placed on leave July 28 and was fired in August after “a comprehensive internal investigation,” City Hall has said.

The woman’s initial complaint—alleging harassment, retaliation on the basis of gender, and a hostile workplace—names Arroyo, Walsh, Arroyo’s chief of staff Ilyitch Nahiely Tabora, and the city of Boston itself.