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A former communications director for Mayor Eric Garcetti testified in a deposition that the mayor’s former chief of staff attempted to warn Garcetti about inappropriate behavior by his longtime associate, Rick Jacobs, but Garcetti would not take action.
The sworn testimony paints a picture of a powerful mayoral aid and political fundraiser who was so important to Garcetti that even top City Hall staff could not curb his actions including alleged unwanted touching and sexualized comments that routinely went over the line.
Jacobs is the target of
a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the city of Los Angeles by a former member of Garcetti’s security detail, LAPD Officer Matthew Garza. Jacobs has played many roles in Garcetti’s orbit, including deputy chief of staff, political aide, and CEO of a nonprofit that the mayor launched when he was considering a 2020 run for the presidency. (