Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti dismissed the criticisms he received for violating his city’s indoor-mask mandate multiple times at NFL matches by saying that “the controversy is not a true story.”
Garcetti stated that he abided by county regulations. For instance, at the Super Bowl, he ate and drank with his mask off. He also said that he always gave his face to people for pictures because that’s what they requested. “I believe there is real news out there, and this isn’t a true story.”
Garcetti said, “My advice to you is that if your mayorship is up, don’t take off the mask for the picture.”
After being spotted violating the California indoor mask mandates, Garcetti, a Democrat has been subject to backlash via social media. Garcetti was criticized by many for not wearing masks at school in California, where children are required to do so even outside.
The first time Garcetti was photographed inside SoFi stadium, Los Angeles. He took a photograph of Magic Johnson, the legend of the Los Angeles Lakers, while taking a photo without a mask.
After Garcetti claimed that he holds his airway whenever he takes off his mask to take photos, more ridicule was poured on Garcetti.
Weeks later Garcetti was seen again maskless while watching the Los Angeles Rams play in the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium with other unmasked celebrities.