Councilwoman Nury Martinez, who was heard making racially insensitive comments in a leaked audio recording this weekend, announced a leave of absence this morning ahead of the Los Angeles City Council meeting.

In the statement, Martinez said:

“This has been one of the most difficult times of my life and I recognize this is entirely of my own making. At this moment, I need to take a leave of absence and take some time to have an honest and heartfelt conversation with my family, my constituents, and community leaders. I am so sorry to the residents of Council District 6, my colleagues, and the City of Los Angeles.”

Martinez was one of three city council members heard in the audio, including Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León.

A fourth member in the audio, L.A. County Federation of Labor president Ron Herrera, resigned from that position Monday after a labor meeting.

Martinez also resigned from her position as city council president.

Multiple council members have called for the resignations of all members heard in the audio as they prepare for the first council meeting since the leak Tuesday at 10 a.m.

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