St. Paul mayor faces lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by police chief

Police Chief Axel Henry, who has led St. Paul’s police department since 2022, filed a 73-page complaint alleging that Mayor Kaohly Her made repeated sexual comments and engaged in unwanted physical contact with him. The suit says the mayor referred to herself as a “MILF,” made suggestive remarks about the chief’s genitalia, placed her hand on his thigh during a budget meeting, and used language implying a personal relationship was required for the mayor’s continued support. It also details incidents in which the mayor visited the police department gym, used terms such as “beefy” to describe staff, and allegedly simulated an orgasm during workouts. At an awards ceremony, she is reported to have asked about a ribbon abbreviation and responded, “Oh, I thought it said MILF so maybe I could get one.”

According to the filing, after Henry filed an internal complaint about the mayor’s conduct, the mayor’s office allegedly excluded him from decisions, withheld records and released a brief summary of an independent investigation that downplayed the allegations. The mayor’s office responded that an independent investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation and declined further comment on the litigation, stating the mayor will continue to lead the city and follow the report’s recommendations.

"An independent investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation against any city employee," the mayor’s office said.

The lawsuit seeks redress for the alleged harassment and retaliation, while the city has not commented further on the pending case.