A California police chief has been accused of racism and anti-Semitism by dozens of department workers, launching an ugly and very expensive lawsuit.

The city of Beverly Hills agreed to pay a whopping $2.3million to settle a lawsuit against Chief Sandra Spagnoli, who has been featured in Vogue Magazine for her good work, for her anti-Semitic and offense remarks.

The lawsuit was launched by Captain Mark Rosen, who is Jewish, and accused Spanoli of harassment and workplace misconduct. He claims that he was denied promotions on account of his religion.

And he's not the only one to make such accusations.

In the last two years, at least 21 current and former employees filed lawsuits or employment complaints against Chief Spagnoli for making racist and anti-Semitic comments, denying workers promotions, and engaging in sexual affairs with subordinate officers, according to Los Angeles Times.

The city of Beverly Hills paid Captain Mark Rosen, who is Jewish, a $2.3million settlement after he sued Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli for making anti-Semitic comments and refusing him promotions because he's Jewish on November 30

She was hired in 2016 and became the glittering face of the Beverly Hills Police Department receiving praise from the Mayor and was featured in Vogue (above)

One filing said the number of complaints could rise to 30. As there are about 245 employees in the department, that would mean nearly 10 per cent of the department would have complained about Spagnoli.

The settlement was announced on November 30 and Rosen spoke in a press conference afterwards saying he felt vindicated but worried for the department. He retired after the settlement.

'I am concerned for my coworkers I am leaving behind the officers and civilians alike who continue to be victimized,' he said.

Chief Spagnoli was hired in 2016 and became the glittering face of the Beverly Hills Police Department.

She was admired by the city's mayor and council members and was even praised in Vogue magazine.

She described herself as a 'change agent' and was known for her aggressive reforms.

However, she's landed in hot water for her comments. She's accused of referring to yarmulkes worn by observant Jews as 'funny little hats'.

At least 21 current and former employees filed lawsuits or complaints against Chief Spagnoli for making racist and anti-Semitic comments, denying workers promotions, and engaging in sexual affairs with subordinate officers. Spagnoli pictured center

Another account says asked if she had to 'dress Mexican' when she was invited to a meal at a Latino employee's home.

Another accusation says she acted revolted when she was told that an employee was gay.

Spagnoli has also been accused of having sex with subordinate officers in her department and later handed them promotions, according to court documents.

She has denied the sexual allegations and said that she is 'not racist'.

Spagnoli spoke publicly denying the allegations, calling them a 'smear campaign' by her unhappy employees who dislike her reforms, according to the LA Times.

'I’m disappointed at some of the personal attacks against me, particularly because I can tell you I love this community. I love being a key factor in public safety and making a difference,' she said.

'For the most part, all of our employees are a tremendous asset to the city. It hasn’t been easy running the department while under fire from different directions,' she added.

Spagnoli denied the sexual allegations and has been defended by Mayor Julian Gold. Spagnoli pictured second right

Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold also came to her defense.

'Sometimes people take offense at things that were not meant to be offensive. I have no idea, I could only speculate,' Gold said on her allegations.

'Of all the allegations, that is the one you really have to raise your eyebrow at. In the first place, we have 11 elected officials — five on the school board, five on the City Council and the city treasurer. They are all Jewish. The notion she made anti-Semitic comments in that sort of environment does not make any sense,' he added.

Beverly Hills announced the $2.3million settlement after the city's insurance company advised it, leading Rosen to retire that same day.

'I submit to you an insurance company isn’t going to pay $2.3 million unless it believes we have demonstrated a very strong case,' attorney Brad Gage, who represents several people who have made claims against Spagnoli, said.

The city's attorney office hired prominent PR specialist Michael Sitrick to help with the department as it's been embroiled in scandal following the lawsuits.

Sitrick boasts high profile clients like Paris Hilton and Harvey Weinstein.

Spagnoli is a veteran cop who previously served as the chief of the San Leandro and Benicia police departments in Northern California.

She is still employed as the Police Chief despite the allegations and lawsuits, the Beverly Hills Police department confirmed to DailyMail.com.

The City released a statement on December 3 following Rosen's settlement saying it was 'disappointed' by his statements and it was committed to improving the police department.

'Despite Mr. Rosen’s personal views and frustrations, the City is committed to maintaining the momentum of important change at the Beverly Hills Police Department,' the statement said.

'The Department has made excellent progress in implementing the changes suggested in a 2015 report by independent consultant, Management Partners. With increased staffing, improved overall morale and a more diverse workforce, the department is looking to the future,' it added.