NYC Seeks to Withdraw Representation from Adams in Assault Suit

New York City's Law Department filed a motion on Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court seeking to withdraw its representation of former Mayor Eric Adams in a sexual assault lawsuit, arguing that the alleged incident occurred outside the scope of his public employment. The move, if approved by a judge, would require Adams to secure private counsel at his own expense.

Corporation Counsel Steve Banks announced the decision in a statement, citing a review of new evidence that emerged since the city initially agreed to represent Adams earlier in the case. "Based on my review of new evidence since the original decision to represent him was made, I have determined that he is not entitled to representation by the City in this matter," Banks said. "Accordingly, the Law Department has asked the court to permit our office to withdraw from representing the former Mayor." A spokesperson for Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized that the mayor played no direct role in Banks' determination.

The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, stems from allegations by Lorna Beach-Mathura, a former New York Police Department officer who worked in the Transit Bureau. Beach-Mathura, a Black woman, accused Adams of...