Sag Harbor Mayor Refuses to Resign Over Alleged Homophobic Remark

Mayor Tom Gardella stands firm despite calls to step down after controversial social media comment.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:41am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A moody, cinematic painting of a solitary political figure standing alone in a dimly lit room, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and creating deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and tension.The mayor's refusal to resign amid allegations of insensitive remarks casts a somber tone over the local government.Sag Harbor Today

The mayor of Sag Harbor Village on Long Island, Tom Gardella, is refusing to resign despite mounting pressure following an alleged homophobic comment he made on social media. Gardella's remark, in which he referred to a same-sex couple and their dog as 'that thing,' has sparked outrage and demands for his resignation from fellow board members and community members.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in positions of public leadership, as well as the importance of elected officials upholding values of inclusivity and respect within their communities.

The details

The incident occurred last month when Gardella responded to a video posted by Texas-based animal rights activist Rebecca Chavez, featuring Chavez, her wife Deanah, and their dog dancing. Gardella's comment, which questioned the gender identity of the individuals in the video, has been widely condemned as homophobic. Despite calls for his resignation from the Sag Harbor Village board and community members, Gardella has remained steadfast in his refusal to step down, stating that he is 'not the guy that runs from a crisis' and that he hopes to 'lead us out of this mess.'

  • The controversy erupted last month when Gardella made the comment on social media.
  • Gardella has been the mayor of Sag Harbor Village since July 2023.

The players

Tom Gardella

The mayor of Sag Harbor Village on Long Island, who is facing calls to resign over an alleged homophobic comment he made on social media.

Rebecca Chavez

A Texas-based animal rights activist whose video featuring her, her wife Deanah, and their dog dancing prompted Gardella's controversial comment.

Edward Haye

The deputy mayor of Sag Harbor Village, who stated that Gardella's comment 'disparaged members of the LGBT community' and that the village prides itself on being 'a welcoming and a tolerant village.'

Erica-Lynn Huberty

A Sag Harbor Village resident who claimed Gardella's apology was 'disingenuous' and that 'he's sorry he got caught.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What's that thing in the background? A guy. A girl? Some creature?”

— Tom Gardella, Mayor of Sag Harbor Village

“Comparing someone to a creature or a thing kind of took me back a little bit, and that's what made me dive a little bit deeper. It's a little surreal.”

— Rebecca Chavez, CEO of Yacqui Animal Rescue

“I will not resign from the office of mayor. That is not going to happen. You have me confused with somebody else. I'm not the guy that runs from a crisis. I'm the guy who runs into it.”

— Tom Gardella, Mayor of Sag Harbor Village

What’s next

The Sag Harbor Village board is expected to continue discussions and potential disciplinary actions against Mayor Gardella at their next meeting.

The takeaway

This controversy underscores the ongoing need for elected officials to uphold values of inclusivity and respect, especially towards marginalized communities. The mayor's refusal to resign despite the backlash raises questions about accountability and the ability of local governments to address incidents of perceived discrimination or insensitivity.