Former New York City mayor Eric Adams has delivered a pointed comeback aimed at television personality Andy Cohen, following a live, alcohol-fuelled tirade from the Bravo host during CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast.
Cohen's Live On-Air Outburst
As 2025 drew to a close, Andy Cohen was co-hosting CNN's coverage from Times Square alongside Anderson Cooper and actor BJ Novak. Holding a shot glass, Cohen launched into an unexpected and blunt critique of the outgoing mayor. He labelled Adams's tenure "chaotic" and "horrible" as the countdown to midnight began on Wednesday, 31 December.
"I just want to say, he's got his pardons, he's pardoned. Great, you got your pardons, go off in the sunset," Cohen continued, seemingly confusing the dismissal of federal corruption charges against Adams in April with an official presidential pardon. His co-hosts appeared visibly uncomfortable, with Novak attempting to lighten the mood by remarking, "He can't help himself."
Adams's Blunt Two-Letter Response
When questioned about the incident by The New York Post on Thursday, 1 January 2026, Eric Adams issued a succinct and barbed reply. "I have two letters for him: AA," the former mayor stated, in an apparent reference to Alcoholics Anonymous. This retort alludes to the network's reported history of implementing an on-air drinking ban for some hosts during its New Year's broadcasts to prevent over-exuberance.
Cohen's rant did include one sarcastic compliment, directed at Adams's establishment of a new Office of Rodent Mitigation. "I think he may have dented the rat population," Cohen said. "I think he got rid of some of the rats, but isn't that a metaphor of sorts? Let's call it as it is, honestly. It is 2026 and there are less rats."
A History of Mayoral Send-Offs
This is not the first time Andy Cohen has used the New Year's Eve platform to criticise a departing New York mayor. In 2022, he similarly blasted Bill de Blasio, telling him to "do his victory lap dance after four years as the crappiest term of the mayor of New York." He added, "The only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been. So, sayonara sucker!"
The Independent has contacted Eric Adams's office for further comment regarding Cohen's latest remarks. The public clash underscores the intense scrutiny faced by New York's leaders and the unconventional platform that live holiday television can provide for personal and political commentary.
