During CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast on Wednesday night, co-host Andy Cohen made several remarks regarding outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Remarks on Mayor Adams
Cohen addressed Mayor Adams during what he described as the "final moments of Mayor Adams' chaotic, horrible [term]," adding, "I just want to say, he got his pardons." Co-host Anderson Cooper was observed attempting to interject during Cohen's statements.
Cohen continued, stating, "You got your pardons, go off in the sunset, we’ll fiddle with what we have, with what you left us with. Go dance away, we’ll see you at all the parties. You’ve partied your way through four years."
Context of Adams' Term
In April, a corruption case against Mayor Adams was dismissed with prejudice by U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho of the Southern District of New York. This dismissal, which prevents the case from being refiled, was reportedly urged by the Department of Justice during the Trump administration.
Mayoral Transition
Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor-elect of New York City, officially succeeded Adams. Mamdani was sworn into office in a midnight ceremony by New York Attorney General Letitia James. According to his campaign, Mamdani used a Quran during his swearing-in, making him the first Muslim mayor of New York City and the first to use a Quran for the ceremony.
Previous Remarks by Cohen
Cohen previously made similar comments in 2022 concerning then-outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. During that broadcast, Cohen stated, "The only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been. So, sayonara sucker. 2022 — it’s a new year, because guess what? I have a feeling I’m going to be standing right here next year, and you know who I’m not going to be looking at, dancing as the city comes apart."