Fresno County raisin packer condemns antisemitic remarks made by former official
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lion Raisins condemned antisemitic remarks by a former official in a statement.
- Bruce Lion, 64, faces three felony counts for threatening his neighbor.
- A company spokesperson said Bruce Lion no longer participates in day-to-day operations.
The Lion Raisins Company issued a statement Wednesday condemning the antisemitic comments made by one of its former officials, who was arrested Saturday for harassing his Jewish neighbor.
The 64-year-old Bruce Lion, once a top executive with the Selma-based raisin giant, is charged with three felony counts of making threats against his Pacific Palisades neighbor Rabbi Zushe Cunin.
Lion was seen on video hurling insults at Cunin him from the balcony of his $5.3 million mansion and when he was being arrested by Los Angeles police.
Lion spokesperson Sahar Robertson said the company has become a world leader in raisin production by staying true to is principles of serving “our diverse community of employees, growers, customers, vendors and business partners with respect, dignity and inclusiveness.”
“Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins. We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate, discrimination and intolerance,” Robertson said in a statement.
She also added that Bruce Lion does not actively participate in the company’s day-to-day operations.
The statement went on to say that the company recognizes the concern “these reports have generated and extends our unwavering support to those who may have been affected by these reported remarks.”
Lion was expected to be arraigned Wednesday on the felony charges. His bond is set at $50,000.
