NYC Mayor Eric Adams Seeks Dismissal of Harassment Lawsuit Over Accuser’s Misconduct

New York City Mayor Eric Adams seeks dismissal of a sexual harassment lawsuit, citing the accuser’s repeated failure to attend depositions.

At a Glance

Mayor Adams’ legal team requests dismissal due to plaintiff’s missed depositions
Lawsuit alleges sexual harassment incident from 1993
Accuser has missed four deposition dates, including the latest on September 6
Adams’ lawyer argues for dismissal and reimbursement of legal fees

Adams’ Legal Team Pushes for Dismissal

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is taking a firm stance against a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him, with his legal team now seeking dismissal based on the accuser’s alleged misconduct. The mayor’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has filed a motion citing the plaintiff’s repeated failure to appear for court-ordered depositions as grounds for throwing out the case.

According to court documents, the plaintiff, Lorna Beach-Mathura, has missed four deposition dates, with the most recent no-show occurring on September 6. This pattern of non-compliance has prompted Spiro to not only request dismissal but also ask the judge to order Beach-Mathura to cover the defense’s legal fees.

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

Legal Precedent and Accuser’s Alleged Non-Compliance

Spiro’s argument leans heavily on established legal precedent in New York. He contends that courts in the state have consistently dismissed cases when plaintiffs fail to appear for court-ordered depositions. This stance is bolstered by what Spiro describes as Beach-Mathura’s broader pattern of non-cooperation, including alleged frustration of efforts to obtain written and documentary evidence.

“New York courts have consistently found that a complaint should be dismissed where a plaintiff fails to appear for court-ordered depositions,” Spiro stated in court documents.

The lawyer further emphasized the plaintiff’s repeated absences, noting, “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.”

Allegations and Legal Context

The lawsuit at the center of this legal battle accuses Mayor Adams of sexual harassment dating back to 1993 when he was a Transit Police officer. Beach-Mathura alleges that Adams exposed himself to her and demanded oral sex in exchange for career advancement. The legal action was filed just before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims.

“I don’t settle cases that are fictitious, your Honor,” Spiro declared, underscoring the mayor’s firm denial of the allegations.

This case unfolds against a backdrop of other challenges facing the Adams administration, including a federal corruption and influence-peddling investigation involving top NYPD officials. While no charges have been filed in that probe, it adds to the complex legal and political landscape surrounding the mayor.

Ongoing Legal Battle and Implications

As the legal proceedings continue, both parties have accused each other of withholding information crucial to the case. Beach-Mathura’s legal team, led by attorney Megan Goddard, has threatened to sue Adams’ lawyer for defamation, while also accusing the mayor’s team of withholding employment records that could affect the timeline of the alleged assault.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Mayor Adams, both legally and politically. A dismissal would be a victory for the mayor, potentially vindicating his claims of innocence. However, the ongoing legal battle and surrounding controversies continue to cast a shadow over his administration.

As New York City residents watch these events unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal processes, political leadership, and public trust in elected officials.