In the heart of Manhattan, Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs faces allegations of discrimination against a former staffer, Keith Lilly. Lilly, a Democrat, has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court accusing Gibbs of terminating his employment while he was hospitalized for several weeks due to complications from Type II diabetes.
According to Lilly’s lawsuit, he was shocked when Gibbs informed him of his firing without providing any explanation while he was in his hospital bed. Just one day before doctors informed him that he would lose his toes due to the amputation of his leg, Lilly claims that he was fired by Gibbs.
Lilly expressed feeling devastated both personally and professionally during his health crisis, which led to Gibbs firing him from his position as a senior adviser that was appointed after Gibbs won his first term in 2022. Now, Gibbs is facing a heated primary challenge from Xavier Santiago, a TV producer with the support of Bronx Representative Adriano Espaillat.
Former East Harlem Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, who has known Lilly for 30 years, expressed shock at Gibbs’ alleged treatment of his former employee. Powell described Lilly as a good person who did not deserve to be fired during his medical struggles. Despite these accusations, Gibbs has not provided any comment on the matter as of Friday.
