DURHAM, N.C. – A social media post that initially framed disturbing allegations as “hypothetical” has escalated after the author publicly stated the claims were based on his own experience and involved a former Southern High School band director who is now the elected Durham mayor.
Facebook user Marquise Dawud originally made a post asking whether others believed it was appropriate for a band director to engage in what he described as an inappropriate, secretive relationship with a student. The post outlined alleged conduct including boundary violations, exposure to explicit sexual material, long-term secrecy, and implied fear of exposure.
At the time, the post did not name any individual.
In a subsequent comment posted in a Facebook group called “Durham: Local politics, gentrification, and land use” that has since circulated via screenshots, Dawud named Durham’s mayor, Leonardo Williams.
“I did technically say hypothetically so let me be clear that it’s not hypothetical and I am talking about my experience as a junior at Southern High School and the band director was the now mayor Leonardo Williams.”
As of publication, Mayor Leonardo Williams has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations.
The North Carolina Beat reached out to Mayor Williams prior to publication to request comment but did not receive a response by deadline. However, at 3:50 p.m., the mayor told us that he will “soon” be releasing a statement on the allegations.
He has denied the allegations.
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