Mayor Eric Adams is under fire after hosting a livestream event at Gracie Mansion on Saturday night with several controversial online figures, including one known for making antisemitic remarks.
Among the guests was streamer Nicolas “Nico” Kenn De Balinthazy, known online as Sneako, who has been banned from platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Kick for spreading extremist content. Sneako has previously appeared in livestreams with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) to promote the song “Heil Hitler.” He has also shared antisemitic views in the past.
Adams also welcomed influencer Amber Rose and spent over an hour talking with guests and smoking cigars during the broadcast. Sneako’s appearance quickly drew criticism from elected officials, including Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), who slammed the mayor for associating with the controversial figure.
“Who’s next on the guest list—David Duke?” Torres posted on X, referencing Sneako’s alleged comment: “Down with the Jews.”
In response, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams defended the mayor’s record: “Mayor Adams has always stood strongly with the Jewish community and will continue to do so without compromise. He has a long and proud history of combating antisemitism, supporting Jewish causes, and building strong relationships with Jewish leaders throughout the city and state.”
The spokesperson added that the mayor regularly appears in interviews with media figures from various backgrounds and emphasized that while Adams does not endorse every view expressed by those he engages with, his core values remain firm.
The controversial livestream comes at a pivotal time for Adams, who is centering his re-election campaign around combating antisemitism. Just last week, he signed an executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism as part of the city’s broader efforts.
Adams has announced that he will not run as a Democrat in the November election but will instead appear on an independent ballot line titled “EndAntiSemitism.”
During the livestream, Adams discussed a range of topics, including cryptocurrency, a book by former Trump official Kash Patel, President Biden’s health, and his own political future. He was joined by his son, Jordan Coleman, and businessman Sean Sudarshan Rajan.
