An embattled Everett city councilor and the mayor's spokeswoman have resigned following intense backlash over reports they made racist comments.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria announced the resignations of City Councilor Anthony DiPierro and Communications Director Deanna Deveney on the Massachusetts city's Facebook page Monday.
"Recently, we have been faced with inexcusable conduct of elected officials and City employees that violates the public trust. These actions have caused deep pain in our community," DeMaria wrote. "I have spoken to and heard from residents and we all believe that significant, visible action must be taken in order for true healing to begin in Everett."
DeMaria did not say when DiPierro or Deveney would leave their positions.
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Residents have spoken out at city council meetings after messages DiPierro sent to city workers, which included memes with racist imagery, surfaced.
"As a woman of color, I have to deal with racist and ignorant people all the time," Janice Lark said during a March city council meeting. "I don't want to hear this stuff by a person who is supposed to be representing my interests in city council."
DiPierro apologized that month amid calls for his resignation.
"I am ashamed, disappointed and embarrassed, but committed to improving," he said in a tweeted statement. DiPierro's Twitter account appeared to have been pulled down on Monday.
More on the Everett City Council
The Everett City Council has been a subject of heavy public criticism in recent months. Councilor Jimmy Tri Le, who pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery charges following allegations he groped a fellow city councilor, also faces calls to resign.
After a court appearance last month, Tri Le sprinted through bushes to avoid NBC10 Boston's Katie Brace as she tried to ask him about the allegations.
"We are coming — coming to replace some of you," one man said at an city council meeting earlier this month.
