New York City’s mayor Eric Adams has revealed that he once dated the woman who is writing a tell-all book about him.
According to the New York Daily News, Adams’ office confirmed on Sept. 30 that he dated Jasmine Ray nearly a decade ago. He later appointed her as a “sports czar” at City Hall in 2022, a newly created role at the time with a salary of $161,400.
According to Adams’ press secretary, Kayla Mamalek, the two haven’t had any romantic relations since they both began working at City Hall.
Adams’ confirmation of his former relationship with Ray comes after she announced that she’s self-publishing a book about their “hidden relationship.”
“From the shadows of City Hall to the silence of closed-door meetings, Jasmine Ray reveals her untold role in the life of New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams,” reads a description of her book, Political Humanity, that’s posted on her website. “Their hidden relationship — marked by intimacy, sacrifice, and betrayal — mirrors the larger struggles of politics itself: the tension between personal humanity and public expectation.”
In a statement that announced her hiring, Mayor Adams said Ray “will bring not only a deep passion” to City Hall, but, “Also a wealth of experience to our team.”
“I’m proud to have [her] join our administration," he said.
On Sept. 28, Adams announced that he’s ending his bid for reelection in New York City’s mayoral race. He released an eight-minute video on X relaying the message to his supporters. "Despite all we've achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” he said. “The constant media speculation about my future and the Campaign Finance Board's decision to withhold millions of dollars have undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign.”
"I was wrongfully charged because I fought for this city, and if I had to do it again, I would fight for New York again," he added.