NYC Pulls Taxpayer-Funded Lawyers From Ex-Mayor Adams' Case

Mamdani administration cites "new evidence" in sexual assault lawsuit against former mayor

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:35am

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New York City's current mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has asked a court to allow the city to withdraw taxpayer-funded lawyers representing former mayor Eric Adams in a sexual assault lawsuit. The Mamdani administration cited "new evidence" that means Adams is no longer entitled to a taxpayer-backed defense.

Why it matters

This move puts increased financial pressure on the former one-term mayor, who ended his reelection bid after a separate federal bribery case. The decision also raises questions about the city's stance on providing legal representation for public officials accused of misconduct.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in 2024 by Lorna Beach-Mathura, a former transit police colleague of Adams. She alleges that in 1993, when they both worked for the NYPD Guardians Association, Adams drove her to a vacant lot and sexually assaulted her after she asked him for help seeking a promotion. Adams has denied the allegation and said he did not know the plaintiff. City lawyers had originally agreed to represent Adams on the grounds the claim was tied to his city employment, a stance taken under Adams' own administration.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2024.
  • The Mamdani administration recently asked the court to withdraw city-funded lawyers for Adams.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has asked the court to withdraw taxpayer-funded lawyers for his predecessor, Eric Adams.

Eric Adams

The former one-term mayor of New York City who is being sued for sexual assault. He has denied the allegation.

Lorna Beach-Mathura

A former transit police colleague of Eric Adams who filed a lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Adams sexually assaulted her in 1993.

Steve Banks

The New York City Corporation Counsel who cited "new evidence" as the reason for the city's request to withdraw taxpayer-funded lawyers for Adams.

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What they’re saying

“We do not comment on pending litigation. What we can say is that throughout his time in office, Mayor Adams conducted himself with professionalism and a deep commitment to the people of New York City.”

— Todd Shapiro, Spokesman for Eric Adams (Fox 5)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the city to withdraw taxpayer-funded lawyers for Eric Adams.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the provision of legal representation for public officials accused of misconduct, as well as the political dynamics between current and former city administrations in New York.