Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams Targets Andy Cohen Over Profane New Year’s Eve Remarks

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a sharp rebuke against CNN co-host Andy Cohen Thursday, following Cohen’s on-air critique of Adams’ tenure during the network’s New Year’s Eve broadcast in Times Square.

Adams, who left office at midnight, referenced Alcoholics Anonymous in a statement after Cohen launched into profanity-laced remarks while holding a shot glass shortly after midnight. “I have two letters for him: AA,” Adams declared.

Cohen, co-hosting CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” with Anderson Cooper, veered off-script during the broadcast, delivering a rambling condemnation of Adams’ record. Cooper repeatedly urged Cohen to halt his remarks and avoid political commentary. Actor B.J. Novak, also on the show, suggested Cohen should be “cut off” as Cooper struggled to regain control.

Cohen inaccurately described a federal corruption case involving Adams as a pardon, though Adams had been indicted while in office, pleaded not guilty, and denied wrongdoing. In early 2025, the Justice Department under President Donald Trump moved to dismiss the charges—a step that triggered internal turmoil before a federal judge dismissed the case with prejudice in April.

The remarks sparked widespread online attention, reigniting discussions about alcohol use during live television broadcasts.

Adams, 65, was present in Times Square earlier that evening as New York celebrated the new year. His final hours in office overlapped with the city’s traditional New Year’s Eve festivities and a high-security operation drawing massive crowds to Midtown Manhattan.

The leadership transition became official at midnight when Zohran Mamdani, 34, a Democrat socialist and former state assemblymember from Queens, was sworn in as mayor in an unconventional ceremony held underground at the long-closed Old City Hall subway station. Mamdani takes office amid fiscal challenges and debates over public safety and housing.

Adams abandoned his bid for a second term after the indictment but remained defiant in public appearances, insisting he was wronged and claiming his administration achieved progress on crime reduction and quality-of-life issues.