News Summary
The Calexit movement’s newly appointed CEO, Sir Dr. Xavier Mitchell, is under investigation due to troubling financial and legal issues. Despite presenting himself as a successful entrepreneur, reports indicate serious financial difficulties, including personal bankruptcy and a lack of credible income sources. Furthermore, allegations of fraud and criminal history have raised questions about his capability to lead efforts for California’s secession from the U.S. The movement, aiming for a 2028 ballot initiative, faces skepticism as internal and external challenges mount.
California – Sir Dr. Xavier Mitchell, newly appointed CEO of the Calexit movement, is facing significant scrutiny as details emerge regarding his financial troubles and legal issues. Despite self-identifying as a business mogul with a history of various successful ventures, Mitchell’s current situation raises serious questions about his credibility and capability to lead the secession campaign aimed at removing California from the United States.
Mitchell’s lavish hilltop mansion in Calabasas, California, is emblematic of his financial troubles; while the property boasts luxury, it suffers from severe water damage, broken locks, and plywood-covered windows. This stark contrast prompts doubts about the perceived wealth he claims to possess, particularly as his primary company, Valiant Eagle, has reported a mere $2,000 cash on hand, with its shares trading at negligible prices.
Further complicating matters, Mitchell has no reported source of income and appears to rely heavily on financial support from his girlfriend. His financial woes are compounded by a history of bankruptcy; in 2023, he filed for personal bankruptcy protection, disclosing debts totaling $2.9 million owed to the IRS, alongside other significant creditors. This financial instability is a major concern as he leads the charge for the Calexit initiative.
The Calexit movement, spearheaded by founder Marcus Ruiz Evans, aspires to gather enough signatures to place a non-binding question regarding California’s secession on the 2028 ballot. However, the movement has a history of failed attempts to bring its measure to voters owing to insufficient organization and signature collection. Recently, Evans announced a strategic withdrawal from the upcoming July 22 signature deadline, opting to refocus efforts toward garnering greater support within the state.
Despite its past struggles, the Calexit movement seems to be gaining momentum. Recent political unrest at the federal level has ignited interest among Californians, evidenced by a poll revealing that 61% of respondents believe California would benefit from secession. Additionally, there has been an increase in public support for Calexit events, particularly noted during the California Democratic Convention, and the launch of a cryptocurrency initiative known as Cali-Nation Coin further underscores the movement’s evolving strategies.
However, the movement is not without its critics. Legal experts have highlighted the complexities involved in California’s potential secession, referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Texas v. White, which determined that states cannot unilaterally secede from the Union without Congressional consent. Furthermore, some suggest that rather than pursuing secession, efforts could be more effectively directed toward challenging federal policies that diverge from California’s state interests.
Adding to the controversy surrounding Mitchell, allegations of fraud, identity theft, and a criminal history with multiple felony charges have been linked to him, culminating in a guilty plea in 2023. Questions regarding the legitimacy of his claims—including a supposed knighthood and partnerships with celebrities—have also surfaced, suggesting that his narrative may be overstated or fabricated.
The proposed initiative, if successful, aims to establish a commission that would examine the financial viability of California operating as an independent nation. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the leadership and resources of the Calexit movement, its founders remain optimistic about the potential to resonate with voters amidst the current political climate, seeking to utilize this moment as a platform for dialogue regarding California’s future both economically and politically.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Politico: California Calexit Fraud CEO
- Wikipedia: California
- CBS News: Calexit Petition Leaders Start Over
- Google Search: Calexit
- Courthouse News: California Secessionists Foiled Again
- Google Scholar: California Secession
- Hollywood Reporter: John Wick Filmmaker Calexit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Calexit
- ABC10: Legal Experts on Calexit
- Google News: California Secession
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
