Ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams no longer has city-funded legal representation in a 1993 sexual assault lawsuit filed against him, following a review of new evidence.
Lawsuit Allegations
In November 2023, a lawsuit was filed against then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alleging sexual assault. A woman claimed the incident occurred in 1993 when she sought his assistance with a promotion while both worked in the police force.
Adams denied the accusations and stated he did not know the plaintiff. The New York City Law Department initially agreed to represent him, citing that the allegations stemmed from his time as a city employee.
City Initially Defended Adams
Sylvia Hinds-Radix, former city counsel during Adams’ administration, stated at the time that the city expected a full exoneration of the charges. She also noted Adams was a prominent opponent of racism within the New York Police Department, deeming the claims regarding influence over civilian promotions as “absurd.”
Succession and New Evidence
Eric Adams left office at the end of 2025, succeeded by Zohran Mamdani. The new administration subsequently decided to withdraw the city’s financial support for Adams’ legal defense.
Legal Representation Withdrawn
Current city counsel Steve Banks announced on Tuesday that the decision was made after reviewing new evidence. He stated that, based on an analysis of this evidence, Adams was no longer eligible for city-funded representation in the case.
Banks indicated the Law Department had petitioned the court for permission to withdraw from representing the former mayor but did not disclose the specifics of the new evidence, which reportedly involved “disclosure of documents and plaintiff’s depositions.”
Resources for Sexual Assault Victims
Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual contact. UNICEF data indicates approximately 15 million adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 worldwide have experienced such violence, yet only 1% seek professional help.
Research suggests 80% of rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Support is available through resources like the “Niebieska Linia” helpline at 22 668 70 00 and the Centrum Praw Kobiet intervention phone at 600070 717.
