Oakland Activist Seneca Scott's 'Gotham Oakland' Faces Defamation Lawsuits Citing 'At Least 26 False Claims'

Oakland, CA – Political activist Seneca Scott has announced a renewed focus for his online platform, "Gotham Oakland," vowing to expose "corruption, crime, and collapse" within the city's administration. Scott, known for his role in the successful recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, stated in a recent tweet, "🦇Gotham Oakland is here — and we’re naming names. Corruption. Crime. Collapse. We connect the dots so you don’t have to." The platform is set to release new content every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

"Gotham Oakland" operates primarily as a YouTube channel, where Scott disseminates his investigations and allegations against various Oakland city officials and their practices. His content frequently targets what he describes as systemic issues of bribery, cronyism, and financial misconduct, aiming to "connect the dots" for the public. The channel's mission is rooted in Scott's long-standing criticism of Oakland's progressive leadership and its perceived failures in governance and public safety.

The intensified focus of "Gotham Oakland" comes amidst significant legal challenges for Scott. Harold Duffey, an assistant city administrator for Oakland, recently filed a lawsuit and sought a civil harassment restraining order against Scott. Duffey alleges that Scott has subjected him to harassment and defamation through online videos, claiming these videos contain "at least 26 false claims" that have damaged his reputation and employment prospects, according to reports from The Oaklandside.

Duffey's lawsuit details accusations made by Scott, including claims that Duffey made false statements on his resume, hired "cronies," engaged in "shakedowns" of businesses, and accepted bribes. A judge recently denied Duffey’s request for a temporary restraining order, pending a full hearing. This is not the first legal battle for Scott, who has faced other restraining order requests and lawsuits, including one from Sean Sullivan, which Scott successfully dismissed with an anti-SLAPP motion, and another from Brandon Harami, a former mayoral staffer.

Scott, who ran for Mayor of Oakland in 2022, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the city's governance, advocating for greater accountability and transparency. His "Gotham Oakland" platform serves as a primary outlet for his investigative journalism and commentary, often using direct and provocative language to highlight alleged malfeasance. Despite the ongoing legal pressures, Scott continues to leverage his platform to scrutinize public officials and their actions, maintaining his commitment to exposing what he views as deep-seated corruption in Oakland.