Overview
- A Manhattan judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday barring Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media from distributing or selling any Behind the Badge footage while the case proceeds.
- New York City’s lawsuit seeks an injunction, a declaration voiding any sale, and damages for alleged breach of contract and unauthorized use of NYPD trademarks and logos.
- The complaint cites security risks including a filmed precinct-door passcode, discussions of encrypted communications, and unblurred images of undercover officers, victims, witnesses, juveniles, and people in custody.
- McGraw’s attorney argues the order is a presumptively unconstitutional prior restraint and says requested edits were being addressed; on Thursday the defense moved to transfer the case to federal court.
- The project was approved in April 2025 under former mayor Eric Adams with exclusive NYPD access tied to City Hall veto rights; the city terminated the deal Dec. 31, 2025, and a hearing is scheduled this week.