The Orange County Register reported that Ortiz resigned during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, the first to be held in person in 2021.
“This job isn’t working for me,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz said his decision to quit came after he and his family became the target of media “attacks,” the Orange County Register reported. Though the councilman did not say what “attacks” he was referring to, two of his children recently became the subject of national news after they tried to enter school without face masks and were sent home, the Associated Press reported.
“As of recent, the attacks against me have moved into involving my family,” Ortiz said. “When my children’s safety becomes a matter, I’m a father and I’m going to protect my children.”
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below.
Ortiz, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and a local celebrity, was elected in November 2020. His tenure was rocky after he refused to wear a mask at city events and referred to coronavirus safety measures as a conspiracy.
Then in February, Ortiz filed an unemployment claim against the city with the California Employment Development Department — despite the fact he continued to earn his council member stipend and expense allowance. The unemployment filing became public in April.
Ortiz has denied that his unemployment claim was improper, saying the allegations were politically motivated.
In his parting comments, Ortiz said he thought he was “was up to this job.”
“I’m sorry to let down many of my supportive constituents and I pray they’ll understand,” he added.
