Mayor Eric Adams is facing backlash after hosting controversial influencer Sneako, known for his antisemitic remarks, for a casual interview at Gracie Mansion. Sneako, whose real name is Nicolas “Nico” Kenn De Balinthazy, gained notoriety and was banned from Twitch due to his “extreme hateful conduct.” During this meeting, he enjoyed cigars alongside Adams and influencer Amber Rose, which has sparked outrage among commentators and political figures.
Representative Richie Torres from New York swiftly condemned the meeting, questioning the mayor’s judgment and suggesting that hosting someone like Sneako undermines efforts against antisemitism. In a notable comment, he asked, “Who’s next on the guest list — David Duke?”
Following the encounter, Sneako himself boasted about the cigar smoke session with Adams, mentioning a subsequent dinner with Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Tobey Maguire. Known for his incendiary rhetoric, Sneako has made shocking declarations in the past, including statements against Jewish people and connections to notorious figures such as Andrew and Tristan Tate. His antisemitic comments have included phrases like “Down with the Jews! Free Palestine,” which have been widely denounced.
Critics have pointed out that Sneako’s comments have crossed lines into both hate speech and misogyny. Moreover, he has associated with individuals like Nick Fuentes, a known Holocaust denier, which complicates the ramifications of his recent meeting with the mayor.
In defense of Mayor Adams’ actions, his spokesperson emphasized the mayor’s longstanding commitment to the Jewish community and affirmed his position against hate. The spokesperson claimed that while Mayor Adams meets with a variety of media figures, his values remain consistent and clear against antisemitism.
This controversy arises on the heels of Mayor Adams’ recent executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, an action that has faced criticism from certain anti-Israel groups.
The discussions sparked by this incident remind us of the complexities surrounding public discourse in our society today and highlight the ongoing relevance of conversations about hate speech and community values.