Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Eric Adams

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Eric Adams.

Eric Leroy Adams is the current mayor of New York City, elected in 2022. Prior to his mayoral role, Adams had a career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years in the New York City Transit Police and later the NYPD, retiring as a captain. His political career includes serving in the New York State Senate representing Brooklyn's 20th district from 2006 to 2013. Adams also made history as the first Black American elected as Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, a position he held until becoming mayor.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Controversial Comment During Mayoral Election

During the 1993 mayoral election, Eric Adams made a controversial comment about Herman Badillo, a candidate for New York State Comptroller, stating that Badillo should have married a Hispanic woman if he cared about the Hispanic community. These comments caused controversy for David Dinkins, who ultimately lost the election.

1993: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident

In 1993, Eric Adams allegedly drove a woman to a vacant lot and asked her for oral sex in exchange for career advancement. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg, according to a legal complaint filed in 2024.

2006: Investigated by NYPD and retired

In 2006, Eric Adams was investigated by the NYPD for critiquing Mayor Michael Bloomberg on television while in his official capacity as a police officer. He retired from the police force with the rank of captain after being found guilty of violating department policies.

2007: Supported Pay Raise for New York Lawmakers

In 2007, as a freshman state senator, Eric Adams supported a pay raise for New York's lawmakers, saying, "Show me the money."

February 2010: Voted Against Expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate

In February 2010, Eric Adams was one of just eight members of the New York Senate who voted not to expel Senator Hiram Monserrate after he was convicted of assault.

2010: Chaired Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and faced investigation

In 2010, Eric Adams became Chair of the Senate Racing and Wagering Committee. He was later investigated for his handling of the gambling operation at the Aqueduct Racetrack, but no action was taken by the Department of Justice.

2014: Establishment and Investigation of One Brooklyn Fund

In 2014, Eric Adams established the One Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit organization. In the same year, his office was investigated by the city Department of Investigation (DOI) regarding fundraising practices for the fund.

2014: Philip Banks FBI Investigation

In 2014, Philip Banks III, later hired by Adams, was under federal investigation by the FBI and resigned from the police force.

2014: Allegations of Misconduct Date Back to 2014

The allegations for which Adams was indicted date back to 2014, when he was Brooklyn Borough President. He is accused of receiving luxury travel and other benefits from Turkish individuals and pressuring the New York City Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection.

2016: DOI Finding Regarding Brooklyn Borough Hall Use

In 2016, the DOI found that Eric Adams's office had mistakenly licensed the use of Brooklyn Borough Hall for a Mayor's Office event.

February 2020: Statement on "Stop and Frisk" Policy

In February 2020, Eric Adams stated his view that a police department should be able to stop and question individuals, which was during his State Senate tenure. While he opposed NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy, he supported it during his 2021 mayoral campaign.

November 20, 2020: Attendance at Indoor Fundraiser Amid Pandemic

On November 20, 2020, shortly after announcing his mayoral run, Eric Adams attended an indoor fundraiser with 18 people, drawing criticism due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

December 30, 2021: Brother's Employment in the NYPD

On December 30, 2021, Eric Adams's brother, Bernard, started working in the NYPD as the head of his personal security detail, sparking accusations of nepotism. Bernard's pay was $210,000.

2021: Investigation into Adams' 2021 Campaign

In 2021, Adams's campaign was under investigation in the Southern District of New York.

February 14, 2022: Firing of Unvaccinated City Workers

On February 14, 2022, 1,430 New York City municipal workers were fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination.

February 2022: Questions Emerge About Veganism

In February 2022, after reports of Eric Adams eating fish in public, questions arose regarding his veganism. Adams responded that he generally follows a plant-based diet but is "perfectly imperfect" and occasionally eats fish.

February 2022: Apology for "Cracker" Comments

In early February 2022, a 2019 video surfaced of Eric Adams boasting about being a better cop than his "cracker" colleagues, for which he later apologized.

March 2022: Easing of COVID-19 Mandates with "Kyrie Carve-Out"

In March 2022, Eric Adams ended the city's vaccine mandate for indoor settings and mask mandate in public schools but created an exemption for athletes and performers, known as the "Kyrie Carve-Out", allowing Kyrie Irving to play home games.

April 21, 2022: Assurances Requested Regarding Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

On April 21, 2022, a Turkish official requested assurances from an Adams staffer that Adams would not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide. The Adams staffer confirmed that Adams would not make a statement, and Adams did not make such a statement.

2022: Agreement on Medicare Advantage Plan

In 2022, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed on a deal that would move City retirees from traditional Medicare to a new, privately run Medicare Advantage plan.

February 2023: Remarks on Separation of Church and State

In late February 2023, Eric Adams expressed disagreement with the concept of separation of church and state and criticized the Supreme Court's 1962 decision in Engel v. Vitale during an interfaith breakfast.

June 23, 2023: Adams Vetoes Housing Voucher Legislation

On June 23, 2023, Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at expanding housing voucher eligibility for homeless individuals under the CityFHEPS program, citing excessive costs and administrative challenges. He partially implemented the legislation via executive order, eliminating a 90-day waiting period for those in shelters. The City Council strongly criticized Adams's arguments. The legislation aimed to increase housing support for vulnerable populations.

June 28, 2023: Adams Accused of Being Controlled by Real-Estate Lobby

On June 28, 2023, during a housing town hall, Jeanie Dubnau, a Holocaust survivor and tenant advocate, accused Adams of being controlled by the real-estate lobby and questioned him about rent increases. Adams responded controversially, comparing Dubnau's behavior to treating someone on a plantation, which led to further criticism.

July 13, 2023: City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto

On July 13, 2023, the City Council overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the housing voucher legislation with a 42-8 vote, marking the first veto override since Michael Bloomberg's administration. This event signaled an escalating conflict between the City Council and the mayor and represented a turning point in their relationship.

August 2023: Accusation of Slow Action on Migrant Crisis

In August 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul's lawyer accused Eric Adams of being slow to act and failing to accept aid offers from the state to manage the migrants.

November 12, 2023: FBI Investigates Adams for Alleged Turkish Influence

On November 12, 2023, The New York Times reported that the FBI was investigating Adams for alleged influence by the Turkish government to approve its consulate in Manhattan without a fire inspection.

November 2023: Adams Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit

In November 2023, a lawsuit accused Adams of sexual assault by a former coworker in 1993, along with other charges like battery and employment discrimination. Adams denied the accusation, stating he did not recognize the accuser.

November 22, 2023: Sexual assault lawsuit filed

On November 22, 2023, Eric Adams was named in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a Florida woman under the New York Adult Survivors Act.

December 2023: United Federation of Teachers Files Lawsuit

In December 2023, the United Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Eric Adams to prevent a $550 million cut to education funding, marking a significant challenge to his administration's policies.

2023: Agreement on Medicare Advantage Plan

In 2023, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed on a deal that would move City retirees from traditional Medicare to a new, privately run Medicare Advantage plan. Many City retirees have protested the agreement between the Mayor and the MLC.

2023: Appearance in Netflix documentary 'You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment'

In 2023, Eric Adams appeared in the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment", where he claimed to have never used medication for his diabetes, despite previously stating he initially followed his doctor's orders before switching to a plant-based diet.

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January 30, 2024: City Council Overrides Adams's Veto of How Many Stops Act

On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the How Many Stops Act, led by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. The new law limits solitary confinement in city jails and requires police officers to document detailed notes of encounters with the public.

March 18, 2024: Legal complaint filed detailing alleged 1993 sexual assault

On March 18, 2024, a legal complaint related to the sexual assault lawsuit was filed, alleging that in 1993, Eric Adams sexually assaulted a woman after she was allegedly passed over for a promotion.

March 19, 2024: Denial of Accusation

On March 19, 2024, Eric Adams denied the sexual assault accusation, asserting he had conducted himself with dignity during his 40 years in public life.

May 21, 2024: Adams Creates Charter Revision Commission

On May 21, 2024, Adams established a Charter Revision Commission to propose changes to the New York City Charter. The commission released five proposals to be voted on in November, drawing criticism for allegedly undermining the City Council's power.

September 2024: Adams Arraigned and Faces Calls for Resignation

In September 2024, Adams was arraigned in federal court, pleading not guilty. Several Democratic leaders, including U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for his resignation, and some officials suggested New York Governor Kathy Hochul remove him from office.

September 2024: Indicted on Federal Charges

In September 2024, Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. He pleaded not guilty and alleged retaliation for opposing the Biden administration's migrant crisis handling.

September 2024: Police Commissioner and Chief Counsel Leave Administration

In September 2024, Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg left the Adams administration. Reports indicated that Zornberg departed due to Adams's 'refusal to get rid of officials who have come under federal scrutiny'.

September 2024: Investigations Emerge into Adams's Administration

In September 2024, a series of investigations emerged into Adams's administration, highlighting increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges.

September 25, 2024: Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

On September 25, 2024, Adams was indicted on federal charges, becoming the first New York City mayor to be charged with federal crimes while in office. The charges include bribery, conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.

October 4, 2024: Timothy Pearson Leaves Position

As of October 4, 2024, Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to Adams, left his position. Pearson was the subject of complaints of battery and sexual harassment.

October 7, 2024: Mohamed Bahi Resigns and Is Arrested

On October 7, 2024, Mohamed Bahi, Adams's chief liaison to the Muslim community, resigned and was subsequently arrested on charges related to witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with the Southern District of New York’s investigation into Adams’ 2021 campaign.

October 2024: Multiple Resignations Amidst Federal Scrutiny

In October 2024, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks all resigned. Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan also left his position in October 2024; these resignations occurred amidst federal investigations and scrutiny.

October 2024: Approval Rating at 26% Amid Investigations

In October 2024, amidst multiple investigations, a poll found Eric Adams's approval rating to be 26%, with most respondents believing he had committed illegal acts and should resign.

October 26, 2024: Adams Defends Trump, Criticizes Harris

On October 26, 2024, Adams defended former President Donald Trump and criticized Vice President Harris, stating that he did not believe Trump was a fascist.

December 2024: Lewis-Martin Resigns; Maddrey Resigns Amid Misconduct Accusations

In December 2024, Ingrid Lewis-Martin resigned as chief adviser and was later indicted on bribery charges. Also in December 2024, Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Department of the New York Police Department, resigned following accusations of sexual misconduct.

February 10, 2025: DOJ Instructs Prosecutors to Drop Charges

On February 10, 2025, the Department of Justice under President Trump instructed federal prosecutors to drop charges against Adams, citing concerns that the case was affecting his ability to govern. Danielle Sassoon, the U.S. Attorney in charge, refused to dismiss the charges and later resigned, accusing the administration of an illicit deal. Key officials in the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section also resigned.