Rape accuser ends lawsuit against former San Diego Democratic Party chair

The former chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party has settled a lawsuit accusing him of rape, two years after the allegations prompted him to step down from the powerful political role.

The terms of the agreement were confidential. Court records show the civil case has been dismissed and all future proceedings vacated.

Will Rodriguez-Kennedy has always denied the accusations and was never criminally charged.

He issued a joint statement with his accuser and ex-boyfriend, Oscar Rendon, saying Rendon had withdrawn the allegations and that the suit had been dismissed by mutual agreement.

“Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain,” the statement said.

“With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives,” it added. “William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”

Rodriguez-Kennedy announced in May 2022 that he was taking a leave of absence as county party chair as party officials and prosecutors reviewed potential criminal allegations against him. He maintained the accusations were entirely false.

By September of that year, days after prosecutors declined to file charges, Rendon filed a civil lawsuit accusing Rodriguez-Kennedy of raping him whe...