Eric Adams’ Remarks at Town Hall Stir Up Controversy
In a surprising turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made headlines once again during a recent town hall meeting in Rockaway. The mayor, known for his colorful rhetoric, shared a personal anecdote that raised eyebrows among attendees. “There’s a real history for me, I had a shorty that lived out here,” Adams confessed, using African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in a predominantly white audience.
Adams continued his story by reminiscing about his past, stating, “I used to come out… Taking that long A-train ride, you know, in the cold. Love is blind, man. Taking that long, long A-train, I did not have a car. And one or two times I didn’t have a token, so yes I did jump over the turnstile. It’s over, the statute of limitation is over.”
These comments come as a surprise given Adams’ previous stance on fare evasion. In March 2022, Adams emphasized the importance of prosecuting fare evaders, saying, “If we start saying it is alright for you to jump the turnstile we are creating an environment where anything and everything goes,” as reported by Fox 5 NY.
Adams’ remarks come amid ongoing controversy surrounding his administration. On September 26, 2024, he was indicted on five charges, including fraud and bribery. A detailed 57-page indictment alleged that Adams engaged in “corrupt acts going back a decade” and acted as an agent for the Turkish government, as reported by USA Today.
Furthermore, Adams recently aligned himself with former President Donald Trump, claiming they were both victims of unjust persecution. The Guardian reported on February 18, 2025, that the Trump administration allegedly pressured the Department of Justice to dismiss charges against Adams in exchange for political support from the mayor. Read more on The Guardian.
Adams has a history of making controversial statements, such as his 2015 graduation speech where he said, “As the state senator and borough president, I’ve had the opportunity to date some of the most attractive women in this city,” alluding to his past romantic experiences. These comments, combined with his recent town hall remarks, have left many questioning the mayor’s priorities and the consistency of his policies.
Additional Resources:
Pardon Me? Eric Adams Visits Mar-A-Lago
Eric Adams Out Here Speaking The White Man’s English