David Boren's Legal Team Says New Sexual Harassment Accusations Are Unfounded

New sexual harassment accusations have surfaced against the former president of the University of Oklahoma David Boren. The alleged victim, Jess Eddy, claimed Boren inappropriately touched him multiple times over the span of years. That information was re

Wednesday, March 27th 2019, 10:58 pm

By: Bonnie Campo

David Boren's Legal Team Says New Sexual Harassment Accusations Are Unfounded

New sexual harassment accusations have surfaced against the former president of the University of Oklahoma David Boren.

The alleged victim, Jess Eddy, claimed Boren inappropriately touched him multiple times over the span of years. That information was released publicly in a report by the publication NonDoc.

Read the full NonDoc report here.

Earlier Wednesday, Boren’s attorney called the new sexual misconduct allegations unfounded. He said this is an attempt to smear Boren’s name even further, and that Eddy’s motive are unclear.

“There is a lot of people that say things that might equate to money or their time in front of the media. I don't know the motivation,” said Attorney Clark Brewster.

This comes amid an investigation into portions of Boren's administration.

In February, the University of Oklahoma announced it was investigating allegations of "serious misconduct" by former president Boren.

At the time, no victims had publicly come forward.

Fast forward to March, and this new article details a sexual harassment accusation made by Eddy. He's reported as an OU grad, and once Boren's teaching assistant.

Eddy told NonDoc that Boren took him on a trip to Texas with other OU administrators.

“I don't put much stock into what is put into the NonDoc, especially when it follows a demand for money,” said Brewster.

Brewster said that Eddy called Boren just before the article was released and asked for cash.

Weeks before that, Boren's attorney said Eddy wrote a letter that said he was not sexually harassed by Boren.

Eddy told NonDoc he wrote that letter during an "emotional crisis" and "it wasn't the truth."

“I just couldn't not stand to be aired out something so unfair to President Boren,” said Brewster.

A number of Eddy's friends spoke on his behalf in the article to confirm his story. Though, we found no police report, or public record mentioned to verify those accounts.

News 9 called the Norman Police Department who said Eddy recently came forward, but that this alleged incident was not in their jurisdiction. Police said they have referred the matter to the proper agency.

Eddy told the publication he never came forward out of fear of the administration.

“I don't think there is anyone who is going to be credible, that has factual circumstances in any way that showed David did anything wrong,” said Brewster.

Eddy also alleged in the article that former OU Vice President of Development Tripp Hall also sexually harassed him, as well as another 24-year-old man connected to OU.

Boren's attorney said while he hasn't recently spoken to Hall, he continues to doubt the credibility of those accusations too.

“He is beloved by the OU alumni and has been so great for the university. I don't put any stock in that either,” said Brewster.

News 9 reached out to Eddy and that second man meantime for comment. A spokesperson sent the following statement on Eddy’s behalf:

“The decision to report or go public with information regarding sexual misconduct is the prerogative of any victim of sexual abuse. The credibility of Jess’ story is beyond reproach as confirmed by numerous individuals.”

The university continues to investigate the original claims.

Bonnie Campo

Boomer Sooner! Bonnie Campo is thrilled to be at News 9 as a native Oklahoman. She was born and raised in Norman and has worked all around the country.

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