Mayor Adams Faces New Twist in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Mayor Eric Adams seeks to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit against him amid allegations of the accuser’s misconduct.

At a Glance

Adams seeks dismissal due to missed deposition dates by the plaintiff.
Accuser Lorna Beach-Mathura missed four deposition dates.
Adam’s lawyer requests case dismissal and compensation for defense fees.
Beach-Mathura allegedly failed to provide written and documentary discovery.
The lawsuit was filed just before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act.

Adams Challenges Credibility of Accuser

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has requested the dismissal of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him. His legal team argues that the plaintiff’s repeated failure to attend court-ordered depositions invalidates the lawsuit.

Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, pointed out that Lorna Beach-Mathura has missed four deposition dates, the most recent on September 6.

“In the nearly ten months since plaintiff initiated this lawsuit, she has refused to appear for her deposition on four separate occasions, and each time without any justification under the law,” said Spiro.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams wants sexual harassment case dismissed because of accuser’s ‘misconduct’ https://t.co/8dzhQknfuv pic.twitter.com/flr5JsuVCH

— New York Post (@nypost) September 10, 2024

Accusations and Counterclaims

Beach-Mathura has accused Adams of exposing himself to her in 1993 and demanding sexual favors for career advancement opportunities. Adams has denied these allegations, and the lawsuit demands at least $5 million in damages under the Adult Survivors Act.

Spiro contends that Beach-Mathura has not only missed depositions but has also obstructed efforts to gather necessary documents and information about the case. Spiro stated, “New York courts have consistently found that a complaint should be dismissed where a plaintiff fails to appear for court-ordered depositions.”

Federal Investigations and Personal Comparison

The legal challenges for Adams come amid broader issues, including a federal investigation into corruption and influence-peddling involving top NYPD officials. Adams’ administration is under intense scrutiny, but no charges have been filed in the federal probe. He continues to support Police Commissioner Edward Caban, emphasizing that Caban has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Adams has likened his current legal and political troubles to the Biblical character Job, citing his struggles with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and diabetes as analogous to “Job moments.” He underscores that his faith gives him the strength to cope with these challenges.

Legal Representation and Allegations

Beach-Mathura’s legal team, led by Megan Goddard, has accused Adams’ defense of withholding employment records, potentially impacting the accuracy of her client’s recounting of events. In August, both parties accused each other of withholding vital information, with Beach-Mathura’s lawyer even threatening a defamation lawsuit against Adams’ legal team.

Lorna Beach-Mathura, who was a former Transit Police employee, claims that Adams exposed himself and attempted to coerce her into performing intimate acts in his car. This lawsuit was filed just before the one-year window for legal action under the New York Adult Survivors Act closed.

Alex Spiro claims Beach-Mathura has provided no substantial evidence to support her claims. Meanwhile, Beach-Mathura’s lawyer accuses Spiro of misleading the court about the evidence.