MINNEAPOLIS -- A Minneapolis lieutenant is suing the mayor of Minneapolis who blocked his promotion, alleging she defamed him in a text message to the police chief.

In a lawsuit filed Friday, Lt. John Delmonico alleges Mayor Betsy Hodges called him untrustworthy and racist in a text message to then-chief Janee Harteau. The chief had announced Delmonico as her pick to take over as Fourth Precinct inspector. Hodges had previously approved the promotion but later blocked it saying she should have had more notice of the appointment.

The move caused a rift between Hodges and Harteau, who later resigned following the fatal police shooting of Justine Damond. Delmonico is asking for damages in excess of $50,000.

Hodges tweeted "Not surprised!'' after learning about the lawsuit.

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