Brooklyn councilmember Farah Louis’ $10M discrimination claim surfaces months after filing

A $10 million notice of claim filed in February by Brooklyn Council Member Farah Louis is now coming to light, detailing allegations of discrimination, retaliation and defamation by New York City Council leadership.

Louis, a Haitian American lawmaker representing District 45, who has recently been named in a federal investigation, submitted the claim to the New York City Comptroller’s Office on Feb. 5.  The filing names former Speaker Adrienne Adams, former chief of staff Jeremy John and General Counsel Jason Otano as respondents.

The document alleges that since taking office in 2019, Louis has faced targeted mistreatment tied to her gender, ethnicity and internal complaints she raised within the council.

Although the notice of claim was filed weeks ago, it has resurfaced following news of the federal probe against Louis, Edu Hermelyn – the husband of Brooklyn Democratic Chair Rodneyse Bichotte – and Louis’ younger sister, Debbie Louis, who’s also an aide to Governor Kathy Hochul.

Under New York law, a notice of claim is a required step before filing a lawsuit against a municipal entity. The city has a limited period to respond before further legal action can proceed.

Allegations of retaliation after internal complaints

According to the filing, Louis said she experienced retaliation after raising concerns through internal Equal Employment Opportunity channels and other personnel offices.

She alleges she was denied the ability to replace a chief of staff during an extended absence in 2025, forcing her to operate her district office without key support and limiting services to constituents.

The claim also details legislative setbacks. Louis said two bills she endorsed in December 2025 were removed or altered without explanation, and that her name was removed from legislation before council votes.

She further alleges that requests for funding and staffing support were ignored and that communication from legislative staff was withheld.

A central allegation involves what Louis describes as a fabricated report containing complaints against her.

According to the filing, Louis was told in late 2025 and early 2026 that a 45-page report existed and had been shared with incoming council leadership. She alleges officials suggested the report could be leaked to the press if she were offered a leadership role.

After requesting access, Louis said she was informed no such report existed. She claims the report was fabricated to damage her reputation and limit her advancement within the council.

The filing characterizes these actions as defamatory and retaliatory.

$10 million claim cites emotional and professional harm

Louis said the alleged conduct caused severe emotional distress and interfered with her ability to perform her duties as an elected official.

The notice of claim seeks $10 million in damages, including legal fees and other costs.

Louis represents a Brooklyn district with a large Haitian American population, making her one of the most prominent Haitian elected officials in New York City.

“This is one of the most frivolous things that I have ever heard,” Adrienne Adams said in an interview with City & State. “I’m shocked and insulted. We’re talking about a sitting council member that is looking for $10 million from the city’s taxpayers? When you think about it, it boggles the mind.”

Representatives for Louis’ office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.

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