Former West Covina Police Officer Reportedly Nicknamed “Wuhan” By Former Colleagues

A gay former West Covina police officer of Chinese descent has tentatively settled his lawsuit against the city in which he claims management did nothing when, after the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, his colleagues called him “Wuhan” and made derogatory remarks about his sexual orientation.

The lawsuit filed by Christopher T. Huynh in Los Angeles Superior Court alleged discrimination, harassment and retaliation. On June 4, Huynh's attorneys filed court papers with Judge Barbara M. Scheper informing her of a “conditional” settlement of the case and the pending motion to dismiss the case. here on December 31. No terms were disclosed.

Wuhan, China is believed by many to be the first epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The officers began calling Huynh “Wuhan” in March 2020, according to the complaint, which further stated that they made offensive comments about the plaintiff being gay as well as Asians' favorite foods.