New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a $5 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and employment discrimination, according to a summons filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday. The plaintiff, who remains unidentified, claims that Adams assaulted her in 1993 when they both worked for the City of New York. The summons was made under New York's Adult Survivors Act, a groundbreaking legislation that allows victims of historic sexual assault to pursue legal action beyond the statute of limitations.

The filing comes just before the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, a law that has led to numerous lawsuits against powerful individuals. Adams, who is also facing a separate investigation by federal prosecutors and the FBI regarding potential illegal foreign donations during his 2021 election campaign, vehemently denies the allegations.

"The mayor does not know who this person is. If they ever met, he doesn't recall it. But he would never do anything to physically harm another person and vigorously denies any such claim," stated a spokesperson for Adams. The New York Police Department (NYPD) also reported having no record of the woman working for the department.

The accuser's lawyer, Megan Goddard, commended the courage of her client for coming forward. "Coming forward is not an easy thing to do - especially against a powerful person - and I am in awe of the strength of the women who have the courage to do so," Goddard said. She expressed gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature for passing the Adult Survivors Act, while also highlighting the need for its extension to accommodate other victims who may only now be discovering its existence.

In addition to Adams, the lawsuit names the city of New York, the NYPD transit bureau, and the Guardian Association of the NYPD, a fraternal organization for Black law enforcement professionals, as defendants. The summons accuses Adams of intentional and negligent acts and omissions, alleging physical, psychological, and other injuries resulting from conduct that would constitute sexual offenses.

As the case unfolds, all eyes are on Mayor Adams as he faces a potential legal battle on multiple fronts. The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation into his election campaign could have significant implications for his tenure as mayor and his political career.