March 18, 2026 NEW YORK, NY — In a move that has sent shockwaves through Gracie Mansion and the hallowed halls of 100 Church Street, the city of New York has officially pulled the plug on former Mayor Eric Adams.
On Tuesday, the Law Department—under the direction of Mayor Zohran Mamdani—filed a motion in Manhattan Supreme Court to immediately terminate the taxpayer-funded legal defense of the embattled former leader. The message from the city is clear: You’re on your own.
The "Scope of Employment" Shield Shatters
The city’s legal team argued that the 2024 lawsuit filed against Adams, which alleges a predatory 1994 encounter, does not qualify for city representation. Under New York law, the city only defends employees for actions taken "within the scope of public employment."
Law Department head Steven Banks revealed that the decision to dump Adams wasn't arbitrary. After reviewing "new evidence" that surfaced since the city initially took the case last year, Banks determined that Adams’ alleged conduct was a bridge too far for the public to fund.
The Allegations: A Dark Night in 1994
The lawsuit, brought by Lorna Beach-Mathura under the Adult Survivors Act, paints a harrowing picture of a career-focused meeting turned into a nightmare.
Beach-Mathura, a Black officer who says she was repeatedly passed over for promotions due to systemic racism and sexism, sought out Adams—then a rising star and self-proclaimed advocate for Black employees—for career advice. According to court filings:
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Adams allegedly drove her to a vacant lot.
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He allegedly demanded oral sex in exchange for his help.
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When she refused, the suit claims Adams forcibly pushed her hand onto his erect penis before masturbating to completion in front of her.
For decades, Beach-Mathura says she remained silent, paralyzed by the fear of losing her livelihood. But with the opening of the Adult Survivors Act window, she decided the "advocate for equality" needed to face the truth.
"Proven Innocent Before"
When reached for comment, the Adams camp remained defiant. Spokesperson Todd Shapiro dodged questions about whether Adams has hired new private counsel, instead leaning on past victories.
"Mayor Adams has been proven innocent before," Shapiro told amNewYork, referencing the former Mayor’s history of navigating legal minefields. "Throughout his time in office, Mayor Adams conducted himself with professionalism and a deep commitment to the people of New York City."
