Mayor Eric Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, is taking an aggressive stance to defend Adams against a sexual assault lawsuit filed by accuser Lorna Beach-Mathura. Spiro filed court documents seeking to have the case dismissed and scheduled a date to question the accuser under oath. The legal moves are aimed at clearing Adams before the 2025 mayoral primary to avoid the allegations affecting his reelection campaign.
Adams has vehemently denied the accusations, stating, “Never happened, it’s not who I am.” However, political insiders express concern that the allegations could negatively impact his reelection bid. While supporting the need to listen to accusers, some suggest that not all accusers should be immediately believed. The aggressive legal strategy is seen as a smart move, but caution is advised to ensure the support of female voters is not compromised.
Spiro, known for representing high-profile clients such as Elon Musk and Jay-Z, was brought in as co-counsel for the case. Beach-Mathura’s initial notice of claim was filed just before the deadline of the statute of limitation under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The amended complaint accuses Adams of using his influence to demand oral sex in exchange for career advancement, which Adams denies. Adams faces challenges with a federal investigation into his 2021 campaign, declining poll numbers, and the upcoming primary season with potential Democratic challengers.
Among the challengers, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who faced a similar lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act in 2021, could pose a threat to Adams’ reelection campaign. Stringer’s case was eventually dismissed, and he has sued his accuser for defamation. Concerns are raised about how Adams’ aggressive defense strategy may impact his standing with female voters and the public perception of his actions. The need for a strategic approach to handling the situation without alienating women is emphasized.
While Adams may benefit from timing with the mayoral election still over a year away, the allegations could potentially resurface during the campaign. With the possibility of facing strong challengers and the ongoing legal battles, Adams must navigate the situation carefully to ensure it does not overshadow his reelection bid. The need to address concerns about his treatment of women, given his public positions and actions, is crucial to maintain support from voters. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings and public perception will impact Adams’ political future.
