Mamdani Administration Seeks to Withdraw Legal Support for Adams in Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mamdani administration has asked a court to allow them to stop representing former Mayor Eric Adams in a sexual assault case. The lawsuit alleges that Adams sexually assaulted a woman in 1993 when he was a police officer, which Adams has vehemently denied. The city's corporation counsel argues that Adams is not entitled to city-funded legal support because he was "not acting within the scope of his City employment" at the time of the alleged assault.

Why it matters

The move highlights the ongoing tensions between the Mamdani and Adams administrations, which engaged in a bitter campaign season last year. It also raises questions about the city's legal obligations in defending public officials against personal lawsuits.

The details

The lawsuit was brought under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that extended the time limit to bring sexual assault lawsuits. The woman first entered a claim in November 2023, just before the law's expiration, and months later filed a detailed lawsuit against Adams. The city's corporation counsel had previously described the allegations as "ludicrous" and said it expected "full vindication in court." However, the Mamdani administration is now seeking to withdraw from the case, arguing that Adams was "not acting within the scope of his City employment" at the time of the alleged assault.

• The lawsuit was filed in November 2023, just before the Adult Survivors Act's expiration.
• The Mamdani administration's motion to withdraw from the case was filed in March 2026, just a few months after Mamdani took office.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Mamdani administration to withdraw from representing Eric Adams in the sexual assault lawsuit.