He promised to bring swagger.
Eric Adams’ departure from the mayoral contest Sunday marks the conclusion of a term filled with grand pledges, notable achievements, a significant corruption indictment, and a level of eccentricity that even his staunchest detractors may find entertaining.
The mayor’s unique approach to handling critics was so unconventional that it won a clue on Jeopardy!.
“All my haters become my waiters when I sit down at the table of success,” Adams famously declared, as he had pledged to restore “swagger” to the city.
While Adams never met with disaster like his clumsy predecessor Bill de Blasio, he frequently provided New Yorkers with moments of disbelief regarding his actions.
From recalling an old flame in Queens to forming heart shapes with a robot, here are some of the quirkiest highlights from Adams’ term.
A ‘vegan’ who enjoys seafood
Adams has long been an advocate for a plant-based, vegan lifestyle, but stumbled early in his administration when it came to light that he occasionally indulges in fish.
“I aim to serve as a beacon for those pursuing or considering a plant-based lifestyle, but as I’ve mentioned, I’m perfectly imperfect and do have fish on occasion,” he remarked.
Ultimately, he maintained a level of ambiguity and encouraged residents to “ignore the chatter.”
Crystals channeling New York’s ‘special energy’
The mayor believes that New York City possesses a “special energy” derived from unique crystals.
Hell Gate NYC labeled Adams as “NYC’s first Crystals Guy” mayor, noting that he sported colorful gemstones on his wrist purportedly for healing purposes.
He shared with Politico that the city’s legendary bedrock includes numerous gems and minerals, asserting that “there’s a special energy that emanates from here.”
Gracie Mansion’s ghostly tales
Adams didn’t wait for Halloween to spin a ghost story.
In May, he declared that he believes the mayoral residence is filled with spirits, making this declaration from a press box at Yankee Stadium.
“I don’t care what anyone claims, there are ghosts in there, man,” he proclaimed to sportscasters Michael Kay and Cameron Maybin. “Trust me, they’re lurking about!”
The turnstile jumper
<pDuring a town hall in March, the mayor shared that he’s jumped the turnstile several times in his life — all in the name of love.
He recounted his past romance with someone far away in Rockaway Beach, explaining that he occasionally had to make quick decisions to reach her.
“There’s a rich history,” he told the attendees in Queens. “I had a shorty that lived out here.”
“I used to make that long A train trip in the frigid cold,” he reflected. “You know, love can be blinding. There were instances when I didn’t have a token, so yes, I did leap the turnstile.”
Which team am I supporting?
On Opening Day 2024, Adams was seen sporting a bizarre baseball cap, leading New York sports fans to question whether he was claiming allegiance to the Mets or the Yankees.
He was photographed with a hat featuring both team logos — prompting confusion among those watching.
“Now let’s bring home a championship,” he encouraged.
Awkward party moments with Cara Delevingne
New York’s nightlife-loving mayor was seen mingling with model Cara Delevingne and rapper A$AP Rocky at an event at One Vanderbilt in Manhattan in March 2022, just months after taking office.
The cringe-inducing encounter occurred while Adams encouraged residents to return to the city during a promotional spree for Wells Fargo credit cards.
“So, for anyone who moved to Florida, get your rear ends back to New York City — this is where you truly want to be,” he urged.
