51

In the frosted glow of 1990s Aspen, where wealth whispers in designer cashmere and danger comes dressed as glamour, director Megan Griffiths delivers a coming-of-age gut punch with Year of the Fox, a searing psychological drama starring The Six Triple Eight’s Sarah Jeffery in a performance that both seduces and devastates. Already playing in Seattle and Portland (starting July 18), the film opens in Los Angeles on August 1 at the Laemmle NoHo before arriving on digital platforms August 19.

If you’ve been craving the kind of coming-of-age story that does not flinch, that does not sanitize trauma, and that absolutely refuses to let the powerful off the hook, then Year of the Fox is your next cinematic obsession.

The Plot: When Aspen’s Glittering Façade Starts to Crack

Meet Ivy (Sarah Jeffery), a teenager caught in the crossfire of her parents’ acrimonious divorce in Aspen’s elite playground of the early ’90s. While grappling with her identity and awakening desires, Ivy is thrust into her father’s upper-crust social scene, an environment brimming with power, predators, and unspoken rules designed to protect the powerful.

When she draws the gaze of a wealthy and dangerous older man, Ivy and her circle of friends, naive but sharp, begin to play with a set of rules they don’t fully understand. As betrayal and illusions pile up like fresh powder on the slopes, Ivy must decide: does she walk the path laid out for her by the damaged women before her, or does she break away and claim her story?

The film, clocking in at a trim 97 minutes, never wastes a second. It’s a powder keg of female rage, teenage confusion, and systemic indictment wrapped in the pristine snowdrifts of Aspen’s privileged.

Behind the Camera: Megan Griffiths Directs with Ruthless Efficiency

Megan Griffiths, long admired for her ability to humanize social issues (Eden, Sadie, The Night Stalker), turns the lens with terrifying clarity toward the collision of innocence and privilege. And this isn’t theoretical for Griffiths. Her visual style, sparse, intimate, and observant, makes the predator’s gaze tangible. Her deep understanding of the female perspective is woven into every scene.

Griffiths is no stranger to genre-melding storytelling. With an impressive TV and indie film résumé, including producing director duties for The Summer I Turned Pretty and collaborations with the Duplass Brothers (I’ll Show You Mine), she brings emotional clarity and moral intensity to every frame.

Griffiths is also an outspoken advocate for sustainable production, a Seattle cinema icon, and a member of the Academy’s director’s branch. In short, she’s the real damn deal.

Scripted with Lived Truth by Eliza Flug

Screenwriter Eliza Flug drew inspiration from her own youth in Aspen. The authenticity bleeds through the script like red wine on white silk. Known for producing critical indie darlings like Sadie, Potato Dreams of America, and The Paper Tigers, Flug brings raw, autobiographical power to this screenplay. Her dialogue is subtle but surgical. Her character development comes from inside the trauma, not outside the spectacle.

With Year of the Fox, Flug doesn’t just write a story. She opens a wound.

The Cast: Sarah Jeffery Delivers a Career-Defining Performance

Let’s talk about Sarah Jeffery. If you thought she showed range in The Six Triple Eight or Charmed, Year of the Fox will shatter your expectations. Jeffery carries the weight of the film like a seasoned veteran, offering a performance that simmers with innocence, fear, anger, and agency. You can see the moment her character changes, like watching a glass break in slow motion.

Joining Jeffery are the always-excellent Jane Adams, the hauntingly effective Jake Weber, the up-and-coming Lexi Simonsen, and a deliciously unsettling Balthazar Getty as the wealthy predator whose attention alters everything. The ensemble delivers across the board, but it’s Jeffrey who leaves the deepest bruise.

Aesthetic Meets Substance

Cinematographer Sevdije Kastrati captures Aspen’s icy opulence with unnerving beauty, making every frame feel both seductive and treacherous. Editor Celia Beasley sculpts the emotional pacing with careful breathwork, and composer St. Kilda lays down a score that is dreamy, then devastating, just like the story itself.

Critics Are Talking

“A wily look at coming into one’s own… Year of the Fox provocatively evolves into a consideration about power in general when those that have it act with impunity.”

Stephen Saito, The Moveable Fest

“A tale of haunting class privilege. Maintains a strong level of acting by each cast member.”

Sabina Dana Plasse, Film Threat

Release Details: Where and When to Watch

• Now Playing: Seattle
• Portland: Starts July 18
• Los Angeles Premiere: August 1 at Laemmle NoHo
• Digital Platforms: Available nationwide on August 19

Related

As a popular governor in a ruby red state and Republican-controlled legislature, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is sort of a unicorn in Democratic politics. The 47-year-old Democrat’s impressive re-election in 2023 quickly placed him on the shortlist of possible presidential candidates. Beshear was also under consideration to be the vice presidential running mate to 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

However, after Harris’ devastating loss and President Donald Trump‘s dominating return to the White House, the Democratic Party is in a state of rehabilitation and deep reflection. Some have suggested the party, which nominated the first Black and South Asian woman for president, has moved too far to the left and is too “woke” and out of touch with American voters.

Those arguments have caused concern for civil rights leaders and advocates who worry that Democrats would abandon racial justice issues and risk alienating Black and Brown voters at a time when the Trump administration is eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and programs that have made modest progress on closing racial gaps in wealth, housing, health care and beyond.

Beshear, who is openly considering a run for president in 2028, tells theGrio that now is the time for Democrats to fight for racial justice even more.

“Diversity is a strength and never a weakness,” declared the Kentucky governor, who said he opposes Trump’s anti-DEI agenda. “I know I will never be able to feel the weight of racism and the scars left by Jim Crow, segregation, even slavery. But I can listen, and I can hear, and I can take steps with our community forward, like we have.”

Despite his state’s conservative leanings, Beshear hasn’t shied away from tackling racial justice issues. He has vetoed bills from the Republican-majority legislature, like one that sought to ban DEI from public universities. Beshear has also used his executive powers to remove the statue of Confederate Jefferson Davis from the state capitol and signed a “CROWN Act” order to protect natural hairstyles from racial discrimination.

Last month, in honor of Juneteenth—which he made an executive branch holiday last year—Gov. Beshear debuted a new statue honoring abolitionists Lewis and Harriet Hayden, who escaped slavery in Kentucky in 1844. He also called for the Kentucky General Assembly to make Juneteenth a state holiday and opened the African American Heritage Trail, which includes 50 sites celebrating Black history.

Reflecting on his record advancing racial justice, Gov. Beshear told theGrio, “We built the first hospital in our largest African-American community in 150 years. We’ve located about 1,000 new jobs there. When the pandemic hit and we were seeing Black Kentuckians disproportionately dying, we got to work, and we put extra vaccination clinics there.”

Beshear said Republican governors also have a responsibility to advance racial justice because, simply, it’s the right thing to do.

“When you’ve got these jobs, your goal is to create a better state and create a better country, and that means doing what’s right most of the time, doing what’s right is also politically good,” he explained. “But people respect conviction. People, even if they disagree with you, can respect something if they know that you believe it’s right.”

Quoting fellow Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, Beshear said, “If the Bible says we are all children of God, then we’re all each other’s brothers and sisters.”

In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter uprisings following the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Beshear’s state of Kentucky, the country appeared to be coming together to denounce systemic racism. Following Taylor’s death in a botched Louisville Police Department raid at her home, Beshear signed a bipartisan bill that limited no-knock warrants in 2021.

But a lot has changed since then, culminating with the re-election of Trump and the emergence of the “anti-woke” and “anti-DEI” conservative movement. Despite the present and very palpable political and racial divides of today, Beshear said he still believes the country could come back together.

“This constant attempt to divide us that the Trump administration is engaged in…is antithetical to who we are as Americans,” the Kentucky governor told theGrio. “I believe at their core, people are good, and if we give people the right information, if we bring them back together, we can get to a place where we recognize that this country has made mistakes in the past [and] that certain programs are needed to make sure everyone has real opportunity.”

Next week, Beshear is taking his message to South Carolina, where he will deliver remarks at an AFL-CIO convention and a dinner hosted by the Georgetown County Democratic Party. It’s not lost on political insiders that South Carolina is the first primary state for the Democratic Party’s presidential cycle (and heavily influenced by Black voters in the Palmetto State), making Beshear’s visit a significant one.

While Beshear tells theGrio he is “focused on being the best governor of Kentucky I can be,” the Democrat said he wants to do his part to make sure the party is out there speaking to the “everyday needs” of Americans.

“It’s recognizing that there are a lot of people who voted for Donald Trump this time around who disagree with him on a lot of things, but they believed that he was more focused on helping them pay bills at the end of the month than his opponent was,” said Beshear. The Kentucky governor asserted, “Donald Trump’s doing anything but that,” adding, “This big, ugly bill is going to hurt people. Tariffs are hurting people.”

Beshear said Democrats “now have the chance to regain the trust and the faith of the American people.” He added, “We’ll work every day to make their lives better, and if we’re doing it right, they’ll recognize that we’re working to make everybody’s life better; Democrat, Republican, and Independent.”

PHOTO : GETTY IMAGES

Noir Nation, it’s giving married today, divorced tomorrow energy—with a sincerely Wild timeline!

Looks like LiAngelo Ball is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 25-year-old hooper and younger brother of NBA star LaMelo Ball has officially filed for divorce from influencer and entrepreneur Rashida Nicole, and the gag is—it comes less than two weeks after she announced they’re expecting a baby together!

👰🏽🤵🏽‍♂️ From “I Do” to “I’m Done”… Fast.

According to court docs, the two tied the knot March 24, 2025, but LiAngelo listed June 15th as their date of separation—just 11 days before Rashida shared her pregnancy news with the world on Instagram.

Gelo liked the pregnancy post and even dropped heart emojis under it.

10

As devastating floodwaters tore through the heart of the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, pop star and actress Selena Gomez is using her voice and her heart to shine a light on the catastrophic loss unfolding in her home state.

Gomez called on her global fanbase to support recovery efforts through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a lifeline for those grappling with the aftermath of one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters in recent memory.

“So many are hurting and have lost everything, including loved ones, in my home state of Texas,”Gomez shared. “My heart breaks for those who have lost someone and anyone still missing. The people of Texas will need our help as they rebuild from this unfathomable disaster. I’ll be donating to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.”

And with that, the Texas-born star has once again shown that her compassion goes far beyond her chart-topping music or blockbuster roles. For Gomez, this crisis is personal.

Texas Reeling from July 4 Floods

The floods, which struck after days of relentless rain, swept through Boerne, Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Flash floods submerged roads, swallowed homes, and tragically claimed lives. As of July 11, local officials report dozens still missing, while emergency shelters remain packed with families who escaped with only the clothes on their backs.

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, created by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is helping fuel emergency relief and rebuilding efforts across the hardest-hit areas. The Foundation, a trusted 501(c)(3) charity based in Kerrville, has pledged that 100% of donations will go directly to vetted local nonprofits, first responder agencies, and municipal recovery efforts.

“Together, we can make a meaningful difference during this challenging time,” the Foundation said in a statement.

While the fund cannot distribute aid to individuals directly or replace personal property, it plays a critical role in sustaining the organizations providing food, shelter, emergency care, and long-term support to thousands in need.

Selena’s Plea: “Please Consider Doing the Same”

Gomez’s appeal went beyond financial aid. She emphasized the emotional toll disasters like this take on individuals and families, urging those in pain to seek mental health support.

“If you are able, please consider doing the same,” she said, encouraging fans to donate. “And, as the community mourns, please know mental health support is available. For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988. For disaster-related emotional distress, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.”

How to Help Texas?

As the nation watches the recovery effort unfold, Gomez’s message reminds us that empathy must lead the way. The floods may have washed away homes and lives, but they have not erased community or hope. Through collective action, the people of the Texas Hill Country can begin to rebuild what was lost and emerge stronger.

If you are in a position to give, donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund can be made through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s official website, where every dollar is tax-deductible and goes toward vetted, community-centered relief efforts.

Because when Texas is hurting, Selena reminds us, it’s not just a headline. It’s home. And home deserves our help.

Related

After narrowly dodging a potential catastrophe during the Houston stop of her “Cowboy Carter” tour, Beyoncé came back swinging – literally – with a new stunt at her Atlanta show. Some are hyped about the new addition, while others think the stunt is even more dangerous than the car and can’t help but wonder why she doesn’t listen to folks who tell her to chill. So, here’s the deal.

As you’ll recall, while performing “16 Carriages,” her signature red convertible, suspended high above the stage, nearly collapsed, causing the crowd to hold their breath in concern, even calling for her to give her stunts a rest. 

“They got Beyonce stuck, y’all,” a concert attendee said while filming the tense moment at her Houston show. For a few moments, the 20-foot drop felt all too real. Beyoncé calmly instructed her team to stop moving the car. Once safely lowered to the ground, she gracefully walked back to the stage to finish her song.

After a sigh of relief, the internet blew up, even with one TikTok user summing up everyone’s post-panic reaction: “Instead of 16 carriages, 16 employees were fired right away.”

Last year, a California jury awarded rapper T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris $71 million after a years-long trial against toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment for an intellectual property violation. However, a year later, the couple may be going back to trial after U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna’s ruling this week noted that a large portion of that award ($53.6 million in punitive damages) was unsupported by evidence. 

“The maximum punitive damages award sustainable by the proof is $1,” Judge Selna said, per Rolling Stone. 

The lawsuit, dating back to 2020, was filed against the manufacturer for their “L.O.L.” collection of “OMG” dolls, which T.I. and Tiny claim stole the image and likeness of members from the OMG Girlz, a musical group they created over a decade ago, which included their daughter Zonnique. When the jury found that the manufacturer misappropriated the girl group’s image, name, and likeness, T.I. and Tiny were awarded $17.9 million in compensatory damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. 

“It was a fight. It was a hell of a fight,” Tiny said following the verdict as previously reported by theGrio. “We couldn’t be more happy…We wanted to thank the jurors for just seeing us through this, and just believing in what we said. They heard our story and they knew we wasn’t lying. It’s amazing.”

Now, Judge Selna is offering the couple two options: accept the $1 in punitive damages + $17.9 million in compensatory damages or proceed with a new trial. According to T.I. and Tiny’s lawyer, John Keville, the couple is “considering” their next steps but plans to reject the $1. 

“We are considering our options as to next steps — but if in the end there is another mini-trial on just the punitive damages, we expect another jury will be similarly offended by MGA’s maliciousness and copying,” Keville told Rolling Stone. “The court’s order confirms what the jury found, that there was more than sufficient evidence to find MGA wrongly misappropriated and infringed the OMG Girlz’ rights. Obviously, the Harrises and the OMG Girlz are very disappointed that the jury’s appropriate assessment and response to MGA’s willful and bad faith conduct was discounted and not given the same weight.”

Noir Nation, the revelations surrounding Diddy’s federal case continue to send shockwaves through the industry—and now, Karrine Steffans, also known as “Superhead,” is stepping into the conversation with some eye-raising reflections of her own.

During a recent interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the former video vixen and author was asked directly if she ever had a sexual relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her response? Conflicted and telling.

“Well, not to my knowledge,” Karrine began, before pausing and adding,

“Honestly, I’m questioning a lot of things right now.”

The tone of uncertainty didn’t stop there. When asked if she believed Diddy ever took advantage of her while she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, her reply struck a chilling chord:

“I don’t know… Given what we know now, I can’t be sure.”

While she did clarify that—from what she remembers—their interactions were “platonic” and that Diddy was “kind,” her lingering doubt has opened up a deeper conversation online about blurred lines, power, and the impact of hindsight.

🧑🏾‍⚖️ DIDDY’S LEGAL STATUS:

Let’s not forget: the Bad Boy mogul was recently acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, but was convicted on two prostitution-related charges following a high-profile federal trial.

Several individuals took the stand detailing disturbing allegations of abuse, control, and exploitation. The case has since become a cultural flashpoint, prompting past acquaintances, collaborators, and victims to reevaluate their own experiences.

🗣️ NOIR TAKE:

Karrine’s reflection isn’t just a headline—it’s a powerful reminder of how trauma and memory operate in survival mode. It also sheds light on the gray areas in industries where intoxication, power imbalance, and celebrity protection are normalized.

Her pause said a lot. And her honesty—while painful—is likely resonating with more women than we know.

Noir Nation, what are your thoughts? Does Karrine’s uncertainty reflect a bigger issue in hip-hop culture? Or should her memory be taken at face value?

1

Bella Thorne has resurrected a years-old celebrity feud by accusing musician Charlie Puth of publicly shaming her and orchestrating a hate campaign in 2016, simply because, she alleges, she wouldn’t have sex with him. 

The bombshell allegation was left in the comments of a viral Instagram post about Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall declining to work with Puth. Thorne, 26, left a bombshell comment below the post:

“Yeah I mean.. he lied to the entire world about me and started a hate train. All because I wouldn’t …. Do the deed with him.”

The revelation has stunned fans and once again sparked interest in the bizarre and bitter end to Thorne and Puth’s short-lived romance nearly a decade ago.

A Brief, Publicly Imploded Romance

In December 2016, Bella Thorne, who had recently dated actor Tyler Posey, was spotted spending time with Puth. The two were photographed holding hands and clubbing, and Puth seemed to confirm the romance with a series of cryptic and emotional tweets. The whole thing imploded in real-time, though.

Charlie tweeted and later deleted a barrage of posts seemingly accusing Bella of cheating on him with Posey. “No one should have their heart messed with like this, and I’m not going to be in the middle of it,” one now-infamous tweet read.

The backlash against Thorne was immediate and brutal. Social media labeled her a cheater and a homewrecker. However, Bella always denied the narrative.

“I had gone out with Charlie twice. We went to the movies. He was cool,” she explained in an interview on The Jenny McCarthy Show on SiriusXM. She insisted that she was not dating Posey when she went out with Puth, calling the cheating rumors exaggerated and false. “Everything got blown way out of proportion,” she explained.

Bella’s New Accusation: Sex, Lies, and Reputation Warfare

Now, nearly nine years later, Thorne’s new statement paints Puth’s behavior in an even more disturbing light. According to her, the public fallout wasn’t the result of romantic confusion. It was retaliation.

“All because I wouldn’t …. Do the deed with him,” she wrote, implying that Puth manipulated public perception after being sexually rejected.

As of press time, Charlie Puth has not responded to the claim. Where Is The Buzz has reached out to his representatives for comment.

“Attention” and a Pattern?

Thorne’s claim gains added gravity when viewed through the lens of Puth’s own words from 2017, when he publicly dissected his hit song “Attention,” a track about a woman who flirted with him but didn’t follow through with sex.

In a Genius lyric breakdown video, Puth recalled being invited to sleep over by a woman, only to leave disappointed multiple times:

“I’d be like, Yes, I’m gonna get it in! And then nothing would happen which is totally fine, but after like the fifth time of that happening, I knew what she was doing.”

He described the woman as“manipulative,” alleging that she “wanted me to be attached to her hip at all times,” without giving him what he “wanted out of her.”

Fans are now questioning whether the woman Puth referenced was Thorne, and whether Attention was part of a larger effort to weaponize his music against her.

Fans React to the Allegation

Social media has been divided, with some slamming Puth for alleged misogynistic behavior and others questioning Thorne’s motives for speaking out now.

One X user posted:

“If Bella’s telling the truth, this is terrifying. A guy didn’t get sex and then torched her entire public image for it.”

Another added:

“Charlie Puth owes Bella Thorne a MASSIVE public apology. If she’s right, he didn’t just slut-shame her, he rewrote the narrative and played victim.”

Others urged caution, noting the lack of evidence beyond Bella’s comment. Still, the resurfaced “Attention” interview, in which Puth openly aired frustrations about not being sexually gratified, is doing him no favors in the court of public opinion.

Related

Outside of dropping one of the greatest albums of the late 1990s, Ms. Lauryn Hill is most notable for her tardiness…no matter the occasion. Over the years, fans and critics have blasted the singer for always being on CP time, but now, she finally came out to explain the age-old mystery behind why she can never show up on time.

There’s not too many people that can get away with dropping one solo album decades ago and still being relevant. But Hill still finds herself on greatest artists of all time lists and headlining highly-anticipated shows. And through it all, fans continue to show up in droves to support her despite knowing she probably won’t hit the stage until after dark.

She’s joked about her tardiness in songs before, but clearly, Hill was fed up as she took to Instagram to get some things off her chest.

“Thank you to Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault,” she began. She singer was dragged for showing up at almost 3 a.m. on July 4. “Family, let me address a few things: I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do,” the “Ex-Factor” star continued.

Hill added what separates herself from other artists is just how involved she is in making the final product of her shows come to life. “I don’t show up late to shows because I don’t care. And I have nothing but love and respect for my fans,” she declared. “The challenge is aligning my energy with the time, taking something that isn’t easily classified or contained, and trying to make it available for others.”

“There seems to be a misconception out there that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I’m too important to care. That’s nonsense… and anyone who’s been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true,” Hill said on Instagram.

In 2023, Hill told a crowd at her concert, “Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this blood ras stage every night,” after severe delays had folks waiting for hours. “I don’t do it because they let me do it,” she continued. “I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it.” And that’s not the first time she addressed the criticism.

In 2021, she hopped on a track with Queens rapper Nas and spoke on the hate she gets. “I’m saving souls and y’all complaining ’bout my lateness,” Hill rapped on “Nobody.”

The “Killing Me Softly With His Song” singer even took to Facebook in 2016 sharing a similar explanation after a show in Atlanta was cut short due to her tardiness. “I don’t have an on/off switch. I am at my best when I am open, rested, sensitive and liberated to express myself as truthfully as possible,” she wrote. “For every performance that I’ve arrived to late, there have been countless others where I’ve performed in excess of two hours, beyond what I am contracted to do, pouring everything out on the stage.”

With Hill’s tardiness going on for well over a decade, it’s shocking that fans are still surprised whenever the singer takes her time to hit the stage. But despite it all, Hill is known for bringing the house down with beautiful vocals and stunning outfits and production… so maybe she’s worth the wait after all.

Straight From

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Four high-ranking former New York City police officials are accusing Mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of doling out promotions to unqualified allies as part of a scheme that also involved alleged cash bribes paid to the ex-police commissioner.

In separate lawsuits filed Monday, the former officials — including the NYPD’s one-time chief of detectives — described a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism atop the nation’s largest police department, which was rocked by overlapping federal investigations late last year.

Each of the plaintiffs says that, with Adams’ tacit approval, they were either demoted or forced into retirement after raising concerns about the practices, according to their lawsuits.

A spokesperson for Adams, who is currently running for reelection, said he would review the lawsuits, adding that all of the police department’s leaders are held to the “highest standards.”

Beginning in 2023, the suits allege that Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a longtime ally of Adams, began bypassing internal hiring regulations to promote dozens of “unqualified friends” to key public safety posts. Inquiries to an attorney for Maddrey were not returned.

At the time, several veteran NYPD officials raised objections, including the department’s chief of detectives, James Essig, who noticed an “unusually high number” of inexperienced transfers to the department’s sex crimes unit, according to his lawsuit.

But when Essig complained to Edward Caban, then the first deputy to the police commissioner, he said he was reprimanded for raising the issue.

After Caban was promoted to police commissioner, he informed Essig, a veteran of the department for four decades, that he would be demoted from his position by five ranks.

According to the suit, Essig later learned Caban was “selling promotions” to hand-picked friends for up to $15,000.

An attorney for Essig, Sarena Townsend, declined to elaborate on the basis of the bribery allegation. Essig resigned in September of 2023 rather than accept the demotion.

In an emailed statement, attorneys for Caban called the bribery allegation “unsupported and reckless,” adding that there was “no merit to the allegations raised in these complaints.”

Caban resigned from his position in September following a raid on his home by the FBI. Maddrey, whose home was also searched by federal agents, stepped down after being accused of demanding sex from a subordinate. Neither has been criminally charged.

A spokesperson for the NYPD did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuits also accuse current police officials, including Chief of Department John Chell, of working to squash internal oversight of the mayor’s allies and policing priorities.

In one instance, the NYPD’s former chief of professional standards, Matthew Pontillo, said that an audit of the department’s Community Response Team turned up “troubling patterns” of unconstitutional stops by officers who delayed turning on their body cameras.

After Pontillo raised the finding in a meeting with then-Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Chell pulled him aside and said, “Why’d you have to tell her?” according to the suit.

Sewell met with Adams later that day, according to the suit. She resigned hours later and was later replaced by Caban.