In a gripping legal battle that underscores the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces, a San Francisco resident has taken legal action against unnamed defendants following a distressing encounter. On April 1, 2025, John Philip Radgoski filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, accusing unidentified individuals, referred to as DOES 1 through 31, of assault, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on November 3, 2024, when Radgoski was allegedly accosted by DOE 1 at Portero Hill Athletic Field. According to the complaint filed by his attorney Michel Rene Huff from Huff Legal PC, DOE 1 emerged from nearby shrubbery and launched into a tirade against Radgoski. The defendant accused him of inappropriate behavior towards children playing baseball nearby and used derogatory language including calling him a "faggot." This confrontation escalated as DOE 1 filmed Radgoski with his phone and advanced menacingly towards him.
Radgoski claims that this encounter left him fearing for his safety and suffering severe emotional distress. The situation worsened when DOE 1 reportedly shared these false accusations with others present at the scene and even contacted emergency services to report Radgoski's alleged misconduct. However, upon arrival, emergency responders found no evidence of any crime or lewd act committed by Radgoski. They described DOE 1 as uncooperative and noted that his allegations were unfounded.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for assault under California Penal Code §240, asserting that DOE 1's actions caused reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful contact. Additionally, Radgoski alleges defamation due to the dissemination of false statements intended to harm his reputation. The complaint also includes charges for intentional infliction of emotional distress caused by the extreme and outrageous conduct exhibited by DOE 1 during and after the incident.
Radgoski's legal team is pursuing several forms of relief from the court. They seek monetary compensation for damages related to each cause of action—assault, defamation, and emotional distress—exceeding the jurisdictional limits set by the court. Furthermore, they request injunctive relief to prevent further harassment by the defendants along with punitive damages aimed at punishing and deterring such behavior in the future.
Represented by Michel Rene Huff from Huff Legal PC based in Oakland, CA., John Philip Radgoski hopes this case will not only bring justice but also serve as a warning against similar acts of intimidation and character assassination in public settings. The case is being heard under Case ID CGC-25-623896 with Judge Sahar Enayati presiding over proceedings.