Rose Bowl Chief Is Acquitted of Sexual Harassment

After four weeks of testimony and two days of deliberation, a Superior Court jury Friday cleared Rose Bowl general manager David Jacobs of accusations that he sexually harassed his former secretary.

The jury rejected the allegations of Jane Orr, whose lawsuit said that Jacobs told vulgar jokes, made sexual remarks, constantly hugged her and patted her on the buttocks.

Orr contended that from 1993 to November 1995 Jacobs created a hostile work environment at the city-owned stadium and that city management ignored it.

Since the lawsuit was filed in January 1996, Jacobs has adamantly denied the allegations. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

After the verdict, a devastated Orr said: “I can’t believe he got away with this.”

City officials said the verdict was a vindication of their decision in October to reject a $75,000 settlement offer in the case. The city has spent more than $500,000 on legal fees.