A woman has accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams of sexually assaulting her in 1993, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday.
In the filing, former police administrative aide Lorna Beach-Mathura claims Adams—then a transit police officer—was giving her a ride home when he stopped at a vacant lot and requested sex from her.
Beach-Mathura further claims that after she rebuffed his advances, Adams "forcibly pushed" her hand onto his penis and, after she removed her hand, masturbated.
Adams previously denied Beach-Mathura's claims when she filed a summons in New York State Supreme Court in November.
"It absolutely did not happen," he said at the time. "I don't recall ever meeting this person, and I would never harm anyone in that magnitude."
When Newsweek contacted Adams' office on Monday for comment, New York City Corporation Counsel Honorable Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix replied with a statement.
"While we review the complaint, the mayor fully denies these outrageous allegations and the events described here; we expect full vindication in court," Hinds-Radix said in the statement. "Additionally, in 1993, Eric Adams was one of the most prominent public opponents of the racism within the NYPD, which is why the suit's allegations that he had any sway over promotions of civilian employees is ludicrous."
The full lawsuit can be read below.
Context
In the suit, Beach-Mathura alleges that the assault occurred when she and Adams worked for the New York City Transit Police Department. Beach-Mathura alleges that Adams said he would talk with her about getting a promotion within the transit force and picked her up in his car after work in Manhattan.
She said rather than driving her straight to her home in Coney Island, he stopped in a vacant lot near the Hudson River. Beach-Mathura claims it was there that he demanded oral sex in exchange for job help.
In Monday's lawsuit, Beach-Mathura claims she told current and former NYPD officials about the alleged incident.
Views
David Webb, a conservative talk show host on SiriusXM Patriot and a Fox News contributor, criticized those who may support Adams by insinuating they might not believe Beach-Mathura.
"But, but, but...Remember when @TheDemocrats said 'she' must be believed. #MeToo," Webb wrote on X, formerly Twitter, of the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, podcast host John D. Macari Jr. said he doesn't feel the citizens of New York City should pay for Adams' defense.
"NYC Taxpayers should NOT be responsible for @NYCMayor Eric Adams legal representation," Macari said on X. "Whether or not this allegation is true is irrelevant, unless NYC taxpayers want to fund legal expenses every time a city worker is accused of sexual assault by a coworker."
What's Next?
In her lawsuit, Beach-Mathura said she experienced sexual assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment.
She is seeking at least $5 million in damages.
Update 3/18/24, 2 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include additional information.
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