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By: Hadassa Kalatizadeh
A mystery illness is keeping Mayor Eric Adams uncharacteristically out of the New York City limelight, despite the tough Democratic primary campaign which is drawing closer. As reported by the NY Post, only meager details have been provided in regards to Adams’ secret ailment. Hizzoner’s chief spokesperson Fabien Levy released a brief statement late Sunday saying only that the mayor “hasn’t been feeling his best” over the past few days, and will have a limited public schedule this week as he visits the doctor’s office for a series of “routine medical tests.”
On Monday, details about the mayor’s symptoms were still scarce, but a source for the Post said he recently had trouble moving around, while another source confirmed he would be undergoing a slew of medical tests.
The 64-year-old mayor, who is known as a fitness enthusiast, touts enjoying kale shakes and a plant-based vegan diet. The mayor had previous health issues which led him to the strict diets. In 2016, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and had temporarily suffered vision loss due to the chronic disease. The former Brooklyn borough president, state senator and NYPD captain also suffered nerve damage in his hands and feet which he previously told The Post had been so severe they could have led to amputation. The mayor has often said that his new healthful lifestyle has largely been the catalyst to turning his health around for the better, and he has been a strong proponent of promoting healthier food options in schools, hospitals, and city agencies.
“Over the last few days, Mayor Adams hasn’t been feeling his best. As a result, this week, the Mayor will have a number of doctors’ appointments and undergo routine medical tests,” read the statement from City Hall. “Like every other New Yorker, Mayor Adams has a right to privacy when it comes to personal matters, but we will continue to communicate in the unlikely event he is unable to fully discharge his duties on any particular day.” The spokesman added that Adams was in constant contact with his office throughout the day, to make sure things run smoothly.
“While he will continue to communicate constantly with staff and ensure city business continues undeterred, during this time, the mayor will have a limited public schedule,” Levy said in the statement.
His usual Tuesday press conference was canceled, and so were other events planned for the week. Over the weekend, the mayor had also missed his planned appearances at local churches where he has been very active, working to connect with voters ahead of the Democratic primary which will be held in June for his seat. Political insiders expressed surprise that the mayor would ease up his schedule so far into the campaign. Also, in recent weeks there have been rumors that Adams may face new charges in the historic federal corruption case which he has been battling.
Per the Post, speculators say that in an early January court filing, prosecutors said they may have uncovered “additional criminal conduct” by the mayor and his associates.
“New Yorkers can rest assured that their local government will continue to deliver for them every day as our committed workforce at City Hall, and more than 300,000 employees at dozens of city agencies, continue to show up on the important issues,” Levy said in the statement.
