Bass Refused Deposition in Crowley Lawsuit
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declined to sit for a deposition regarding statements she made about former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has refused to sit for a deposition in a defamation lawsuit brought by former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley. The legal action stems from comments Bass allegedly made during a mayoral debate concerning Crowley's leadership.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on the fallout from the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which resulted in 12 deaths and the destruction of 7,000 structures. Crowley, who was dismissed as fire chief on February 21, 2025, seeks discovery regarding Bass's state of mind during their public exchange.
The Palisades Fire in January 2025 destroyed 7,000 structures and resulted in 12 deaths. Reports indicate that 1,000 firefighters were allegedly sent home during the emergency response period.
The players
Karen Bass
Karen Bass is the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Kristin Crowley
Kristin Crowley is the former Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Ian Van Dusen
Ian Van Dusen is the attorney representing Mayor Karen Bass in the defamation lawsuit.
The details
Attorneys for Kristin Crowley requested a limited deposition to examine the Mayor's statements, but Ian Van Dusen filed an anti-SLAPP motion on behalf of Karen Bass to block the process. Additionally, the Mayor has refused to sign a declaration attesting to the truth of her previous remarks.
Timeline
January 2025: The Palisades fire occurred in Los Angeles.
February 21, 2025: Kristin Crowley was dismissed as LAFD Chief.
May 2026: A mayoral debate took place where the contested statements were made.
June 2026: Kristin Crowley filed a defamation lawsuit against Karen Bass.
November 2, 2026: A judge is expected to rule on the discovery motion.
Legal Context
This case follows standard motions observed in high-profile defamation litigation under California's anti-SLAPP statute. Such legal maneuvers are frequently employed by public officials to curb discovery requests during early stages of civil proceedings.
The ongoing litigation highlights questions regarding the transparency and actions of city leadership during the 2025 fire disaster. Residents in Los Angeles may see additional details emerge about the city's emergency response and fire department management as the case progresses.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the legal hurdles that arise when public officials and department heads engage in disputes over official actions. Understanding these processes is essential for residents following the administrative accountability of their local government.
What happens next
A judge is scheduled to issue a ruling on the discovery motion on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local disaster management procedures, visit the Emergency Response page.
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