Mayor Eric Adams made an appearance at the annual Inner Circle charity show in Manhattan where he took the opportunity to roast the city’s newspapers. Adams joked about the event being the inner circle of hell, poking fun at the group of journalists who put on the yearly show. This charity roast, which celebrates its 101st year this year, brings together the city’s media and political figures for a night of comedy and sketches.
During his time on stage, Adams specifically called out the New York Post, praising the paper as his favorite hometown paper. He joked about the criticism the paper receives for sensationalized crime headlines, stating that sensationalism is his job. Additionally, he took a swipe at the New York Daily News, humorously suggesting that they were only present at the event to hand out free papers. He also made a quip about The New York Times, referring to their readership as the White Lady in contrast to the Gray Lady nickname.
The Mayor used the platform to highlight his accomplishments in office, citing a decrease in crime and an increase in job opportunities under his leadership. He took a light-hearted approach, jokingly referencing his donors when discussing getting criminals off the street. Following a skit with SNL’s Punkie Johnson titled “What is the Mayor Wearing?”, Adams expressed his gratitude to the press for their coverage of him in his first two years in office. He dedicated the show to City Hall employee Pedro Frisneda, who had passed away that day.
Pedro Frisneda was remembered as an integral part of the Communication team at City Hall and the Department of Health. Adams praised Frisneda’s dedication to connecting communities across the five boroughs and his willingness to go the extra mile in his work. Frisneda, a Venezuelan immigrant, also had experience working for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Adams’s tribute to Frisenda added a poignant moment to the evening’s festivities, recognizing the contributions of a valued team member who had passed away.
Overall, Adams’s appearance at the Inner Circle charity show offered a mix of humor, appreciation for the media, and remembrance for a dedicated public servant. The event provided an opportunity for the Mayor to engage with the city’s media and political figures in a lighthearted setting, showcasing his comedic side while also acknowledging the hard work of individuals like Pedro Frisneda. The Mayor’s presence at the annual event added to the tradition of the Inner Circle roast, continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing together various sectors of the city’s public life for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.
