Top Oakland official sues political activist for harassment

Oakland Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey has initiated legal action against political activist Seneca Scott, alleging harassment and defamation through Scott's online videos. Duffey claims these videos contain false accusations of bribery and misconduct, which he argues harm his career and reputation. He has filed a request for a restraining order, citing at least 26 false claims made by Scott. A judge recently denied his request for a temporary restraining order, leading Duffey to expedite his plea for a ruling as he applies for new jobs in Davis, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Scott, who co-led a recall campaign against former Mayor Sheng Thao, has faced multiple lawsuits, including a similar restraining order request from another former city staffer.

Duffey's lawsuit underscores the strained relations within Oakland's political sphere, particularly as several high-ranking officials have recently resigned or been terminated. The case raises questions about the impact of online discourse on public officials and their careers. As Duffey navigates his job search, the allegations could hinder his employment prospects due to the potential negative impressions from background checks.