Introduction: A state law that temporarily extended the statute of limitations for civil abuse and harassment claims expired this week, coinciding with a spike in high-profile sexual assault litigation in New York. Prominent people like musician Sean “Diddy” Combs, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Guns N’ Roses leader Axl Rose are among those in the limelight.
The Adult Survivors Act
Background: On November 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the New York Adult Survivors Act into law, which enabled the legal actions. It doesn’t matter when the alleged sexual abuse happened—this statute permits accusers to sue suspected abusers. Its purpose is to give survivors of past abuse and harassment situations a legal route to pursue justice.
High-Profile Cases
Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses Frontman)
Lawsuit Details: Actor and model from California filed a complaint on November 22, 2023, alleging that Axl Rose sexually assaulted her in 1989, at the height of Mr. Rose’s success. According to the complaint, Rose intimidated and assaulted the victim by using his celebrity and influence. Axl Rose vigorously refutes the claims.
Sean “Diddy” Combs (Rapper)
Lawsuit Allegations: On Thanksgiving Day, a lady filed a lawsuit against musician Sean “Diddy” Combs, claiming that in 1991, while she was a Syracuse University student, he had sexual relations with her without her consent. The complaint focuses on the woman’s long-term injuries, which resulted in post-traumatic illnesses. The claims have been refuted by Sean Combs.
Eric Adams (New York City Mayor)
Lawsuit Claims: Citing allegations of sexual assault from 1993, a former City of New York employee filed a $5 million lawsuit against Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City. The lawsuit makes allegations of abuse, sexual assault, and job discrimination. Mayor Adams vehemently refutes these claims.
Andrew Cuomo (Former New York Governor)
Lawsuit Allegations: On November 22, a former executive assistant of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit, claiming Cuomo had touched her buttocks and breast. The lawsuit describes an ongoing practice of unwanted touching, remarks, and advances made towards the plaintiff. All of the claims are refuted by Andrew Cuomo.
Russell Brand (Actor, Comedian, Presenter)
Lawsuit Under the Adult Survivors Act: On November 3, a complaint was filed alleging that British comedian and actor Russell Brand had molested a woman when he was filming the 2011 movie “Arthur.” A member of the production crew was watching the door when the alleged incident happened in the bathroom. Russell Brand is accused of many sexual abuses.
Jamie Foxx (Actor)
Lawsuit Details: A lady claims Hollywood star Jamie Foxx used force to inappropriately touch her at a rooftop bar in Manhattan in 2015. The lawsuit is filed under the Adult Survivors Act of New York. Foxx allegedly grabbed the accuser’s arm and dragged her to a remote location. Jamie Foxx has not addressed these particular accusations in the public eye.
What Happens Now
Thanksgiving Day marked the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, which resulted in the reinstatement of the statute of limitations for civil cases resulting from past abuse. The window of time for victims to take former sexual abusers to court has closed with this expiration. New York joins an increasing number of jurisdictions that are reviewing the statute of limitations for civil cases pertaining to sexual assault, especially those in which minors are victims.
