Popular raisin company condemns heir’s alleged antisemitic remarks

A California raisin company has publicly denounced alleged antisemitic and racist conduct attributed to one of its heirs following his recent arrest in Pacific Palisades.

In a statement released Wednesday, Fresno County-based Lion Raisins said recent reports involving Bruce Lion, who was arrested last week on suspicion of making criminal threats, “do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins.”

“Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins,” a company spokesperson said in the statement. “We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance.”

The statement comes days after Bruce Lion, 64, was arrested following allegations that he repeatedly directed antisemitic and racist remarks toward a rabbi neighbor in Pacific Palisades.

As previously reported, Rabbi Zushe Cunin accused Lion of harassing him and members of his congregation for months after Lion purchased a neighboring home earlier this year. Published reports cited videos that allegedly showed Lion shouting antisemitic slurs from his property and disrupting religious gatherings.

Lion Raisins emphasized Wednesday that Bruce Lion “does not actively participate in the company’s day-to-day operations.”

The company, which has operated for more than a century, said it remains committed to serving a diverse community of employees, growers, customers and business partners “with respect, dignity, and inclusiveness.”

“These principles are core to our culture and to the way we do business,” the statement said.

The company also said it recognizes concerns generated by the allegations and expressed support for those who may have been affected.

“We remain committed to fostering understanding and respect among all communities and to ethical conduct, mutual respect, and responsible corporate citizenship,” the statement continued.

Bruce Lion was arrested early Saturday and booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, according to law enforcement records.

The investigation remains ongoing.