New York City – A lawsuit filed on Monday in Manhattan has accused Mayor Eric Adams of sexually assaulting a woman back in 1993. The lawsuit alleges that Adams, who was a police officer at the time, demanded a sexual favor from the woman in exchange for helping her advance her career in the police department.
The woman, who was seeking a promotion in the city’s transit police department, approached Adams for assistance, as he was a high-ranking member of the Guardians Association, a fraternal organization advocating for Black members of law enforcement.
According to the lawsuit, Adams offered to drive her home from work but instead took her to a vacant lot where he demanded a sexual favor, specifically oral sex. When she refused, he allegedly exposed himself and masturbated before abruptly leaving her at a Manhattan subway station.
Adams has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that he does not recall ever meeting the woman and that the sexual assault “absolutely did not happen.” The mayor’s spokesperson described the allegations as “ludicrous” and expressed confidence in full vindication in court.
The lawsuit was brought under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that extends the time limit for bringing sexual assault lawsuits. The woman first lodged her claim last November, just before the law’s expiration, without providing details of the alleged assault at that time.
Despite not formally reporting the incident at the time, the woman disclosed it to several individuals over the years, including current and former NYPD officials, friends, and her daughters, as detailed in the lawsuit.
The case is the latest legal challenge for Adams, who is under federal investigation for campaign fundraising activities. FBI agents seized his phones and raided the homes of his top fundraisers in November, with additional raids on properties affiliated with his advisers taking place earlier this month.
In response to the allegations, Adams maintains his innocence and affirms his commitment to defending against the lawsuit’s claims. The woman’s attorney emphasized her client’s determination to hold sexual abusers accountable, underscoring the significance of seeking justice regardless of the perpetrator’s position or status.