New York’s Adult Survivors Act: one year window to file lawsuits closes
CNNNov 24, 2023
Wave of Sexual Assault Allegations Filed as New York Law Expires
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The Facts
A wave of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations poured in over the last few days just as a New York law that opened up a one-year window to report sexual abuse, regardless of the statute of limitations, was set to expire.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, celebrity actor and singer Jamie Foxx, and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose were prominent names who saw last-minute claims against them. Some of the allegations go back decades and would have fallen outside the statute of limitations if not for last year's law.
The Spin
Left narrative
Given that more than 2.5K sexual assault allegations have been launched since the Adult Survivors Act opened a one-year window to report sexual assault cases, Gov. Kathy Hochul should pass a law extending the window permanently. Sexual assault is a major problem in the US, and women especially must deal with trauma for decades before being able to tell their stories to the public. There should be no statute of limitations on sexual abuse.
Right narrative
Democrats are paying the price for their weaponization of the law as shown by the prosecution of Adams. It's nearly impossible and unfair to make a ruling on allegations that go back 30+ years and substantive evidence has appeared scant so far. The Democrats opened this can of worms and now they have created a high-profile legal mess. This legal window should never have been opened.