New York City Mayor Eric Adams has come under intense scrutiny following his recent meeting with online influencer Sneako, known for his antisemitic remarks.
Adams admitted on Monday that he failed to properly vet Sneako, whose real name is Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, before inviting him to Gracie Mansion for a cigar session over the weekend.
The mayor expressed regret for not being aware of Sneako’s controversial background, stating, ‘I didn’t know his history.’
During a press conference in Brooklyn, Adams reflected on the meeting, saying, ‘Maybe I should have reached out to the team late at night and said, ‘Hey, can you vet this person?’’
Adams, who has made combating antisemitism a key part of his reelection campaign, suggested that his optimism led him to believe there was something redeemable in everyone.
The meeting, which also included the mayor’s adult son, Jordan Coleman, model Amber Rose, and nightlife entrepreneur Richie Akiva, lasted over an hour.
Sneako’s history is troubling, featuring a series of antisemitic and anti-Israel comments.
Just hours before his meeting with Adams, he posted on X asserting that ‘Israel is not compatible with Western civilization.’
His past proclamations include disparaging remarks such as ‘Down with the Jews,’ and he has expressed admiration for Nazi fashion, complicating his interactions with figures in the political spectrum.
The unexpected gathering at Gracie Mansion sparked outrage among some elected officials.
Representative Ritchie Torres voiced his concern, questioning the appropriateness of the mayor’s decision to engage with someone whose comments have been widely condemned.
‘Who’s next on the guest list — David Duke?’ Torres asked on X, referring to the notorious former leader of the Ku Klux Klan.
In response to the backlash, Adams affirmed his commitment to the Jewish community, asserting that they understand he is a strong ally against antisemitism.
He reiterated, ‘The Jewish residents of the city know where I am. They know where my voice is, and they know that there has not been a stronger voice in politics on fighting against antisemitism.’
Despite the controversy, he maintained that the conversation at Gracie Mansion did not touch on any antisemitic remarks.
‘You didn’t hear anything antisemitic come up in his conversation with me,’ Adams said, attempting to defuse some of the criticism.
Adams’s encounter with Sneako highlights the complexities of balancing public engagement with individuals who hold extremist views.
He added that he always tries to engage with individuals who cross his path, a philosophy he believes shapes his optimistic approach to leadership.
The fallout from this situation will undoubtedly continue to evolve as discussions surrounding the mayor’s judgement and the implications of hosting controversial figures play out in the public sphere.
image source from：https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/16/nyc-mayor-adams-addresses-backlash-over-smoking-cigars-with-antisemitic-influencer-sneako/
