Several high-profile celebrities, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, and rock legend Axl Rose, are facing sexual abuse lawsuits in New York. These lawsuits were filed just before the expiration of a state law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on civil abuse and harassment claims, regardless of how old they are.
The Adult Survivors Act, which went into effect on November 24, 2022, following the “Me Too” movement, allowed thousands of survivors to pursue justice that was previously unavailable to them. However, the expiration of the law has prompted a flood of last-minute cases, highlighting the need for a reopened window to address these issues.
One of the most notable cases under the law involved former President Donald Trump, who was held liable by a Manhattan jury in May for sexually abusing author E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Trump was ordered to pay $5 million in damages, demonstrating the effectiveness of the statute even for decades-old claims.
While the law has seen some early victories, most cases are still in the early stages. Here are some details of the lawsuits filed against the mentioned celebrities:
– Eric Adams, New York City mayor: The complaint alleges “sexual assault, battery, and employment discrimination.” Adams denies the allegations, claiming he does not know the person who filed the lawsuit.
– Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor: The suit, filed by Cuomo’s former executive assistant Brittany Commisso, accuses him of groping her breast and buttocks. Commisso claims substantial personal injuries, economic loss, gender discrimination, and retaliation. Cuomo has vehemently denied these allegations.
– Sean “Diddy” Combs, music mogul: A lawsuit filed on Thanksgiving Day alleges that Combs drugged and raped a Syracuse University student in 1991. The plaintiff claims substantial and lifelong injuries from the assault, which she alleges was videotaped and shown to others. Combs’ spokesperson denies the allegations, describing them as an example of how a well-intentioned law can be misused.
– Axl Rose: Actress and model Sheila Kennedy filed a lawsuit alleging she was assaulted by Rose in 1989. The lawsuit criticizes both Rose and his record label, Geffen Records, for celebrating his “bad boy” image despite previous allegations against him. Rose’s lawyer denies the incident ever happened and describes the claims as fictional.
– Terry Richardson, fashion photographer: Caron Bernstein, a South African model, filed a lawsuit accusing Richardson of forcing her into oral sex in 2003. The lawsuit claims Richardson photographed himself assaulting Bernstein and published the photos without her consent. Another model, Minerva Portillo, also filed a separate lawsuit accusing Richardson of two sexual assaults in 2004.
These cases highlight the importance of addressing past abuses and providing survivors with the opportunity to seek justice. The expiration of the Adult Survivors Act demonstrates the need for continued efforts to hold abusers accountable and protect victims of sexual abuse and harassment.
