An Alameda County Superior Court judge has denied a high-ranking Oakland city official's request for a restraining order against political activist Seneca Scott. Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey had sought the order, alleging harassment and defamation, but Judge Maria Morga ruled that Duffey did not meet the standards required for a civil harassment restraining order. The decision marks a significant development in an ongoing dispute centered on free speech and public discourse in Oakland.
Harold Duffey holds one of the highest positions in Oakland's city administration, second only to the city administrator. Seneca Scott is a prominent local activist, known for his vocal criticism of city leadership and his instrumental role in the successful recall campaign against former Mayor Sheng Thao. Scott frequently uses online platforms, including YouTube, to express his views on city governance and officials.
During the hearing, Judge Morga indicated that if Duffey believed Scott had defamed him, he could pursue other civil remedies, such as a defamation lawsuit. Following the ruling, Duffey stated to The Oaklandside, "I’m going to pursue a defamation on Seneca Scott and the individuals that gave him the information that he’s using."
Scott, who often refers to Duffey as "Duffey the Dummy" in his online content, hailed the ruling as a victory for free speech. He asserted that his First Amendment rights were protected and accused city officials of attempting to "criminalize speech" and "weaponize the courts against dissent." Scott announced his intention to "prepare a First Amendment lawsuit" against the city, Duffey, and other officials, claiming an attempt to silence whistleblowers.
This incident is not Scott's first legal entanglement with city figures. Earlier this year, Scott settled a separate restraining order case filed by the city of Oakland on behalf of former mayoral staffer Brandon Harami, agreeing to cease posting Harami's personal contact information. Scott's activism and online commentary have frequently drawn both support and controversy within the Oakland political landscape.