New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) is being criticized for taking the time to hit the gym amid the coronavirus outbreak across the state.
People are now accusing de Blasio of failing to set a good example for residents. With more than 900 positive coronavirus cases in the state of New York, many believe de Blasio should follow the same rules he is asking everyone else to abide by.
In fact, on Monday, some of his current and former advisors even weighed in. Rebecca Katz — a former advisor to the mayor— tweeted her criticism of de Blasio, deeming his actions as “inexcusable” and “reckless.
No current or former staff member should be asked to defend this.
— Rebecca Katz (@RebeccaKKatz) March 16, 2020
The Mayor’s actions today are inexcusable and reckless. https://t.co/tjz3AQHpzu
Another former advisor to de Blasio, Jonathan Rosen, also weighed in.
He also agreed with Katz, tweeting, “She right. It’s pathetic. Self-involved. Inexcusable.”
She right. It’s pathetic. Self-involved. Inexcusable.
— Jonathan Rosen (@JonathanRosenBR) March 16, 2020
Late-night show host Stephen Colbert even took a moment to joke about de Blasio’s trip to the gym.
See the video below:
https://twitter.com/mikesisak/status/1239760738773807109
Check out some of the other reactions:
Way to set the example, Mr. Mayor. https://t.co/colF20Wtwg
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) March 16, 2020
Our crazy Mayor, as he's deciding to close all the gyms, because they're not safe…………goes to the gym to workout: https://t.co/sKBGY1k3Xs
— MARK SIMONE (@MarkSimoneNY) March 16, 2020
As elected officials, we’re expected to lead and set an example for the public.
— Keith Powers (@KeithPowersNYC) March 16, 2020
We’re in a public health crisis, where gyms and restaurants are closing.
Our message to everyone is to stay home.
Mr. Mayor, we need you to lead by example.https://t.co/JfmFCYejH7
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) — who issued the order to close all restaurants, bars, and gyms at 8:00 pm — was also asked about de Blasio’s trip to the gym. He offered a reminder about the gym hours of operation amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“[De Blasio] can be in the gym this morning. You can be in the gym this afternoon. You can be in the gym this evening,” Cuomo said, adding, “You just can’t be in the gym after eight o’clock.”
Check out Cuomo’s remarks:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is asked about Bill de Blasio going to the gym this morning:
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 16, 2020
“[De Blasio] can be in the gym this morning. You can be in the gym this afternoon. You can be in the gym this evening. You just can't be in the gym after eight o'clock."pic.twitter.com/ug0YBZnrOC
De Blasio’s press secretary, Freddi Goldstein, also released a statement. In response to the backlash, she confirmed that the mayor’s trip to the YMCA would be his last and that he would no longer be visiting the facility “for the foreseeable future.” Gyms were closing at 8 p.m. Monday.
“The YMCA has been a huge part of his and his family’s life, like it has been for a lot of New Yorkers. It’s clear that’s about to change and before that, the mayor wanted to visit a place that keeps him grounded one last time,” Goldstein said in the statement.
“That doesn’t change the fact that he is working around the clock to ensure the safety of New Yorkers,” Goldstein added. “After today, gyms will close and he will no longer be visiting the YMCA for the foreseeable future.”
On Tuesday, de Blasio appeared on CNN where he was asked about the backlash surrounding his trip to the gym. He said he didn’t get it and went on to defend himself.
Watch de Blasio’s interview below:
.@NYCMayor on outrage over his going to the gym during the coronavirus: “I don’t get it” pic.twitter.com/gNk8HngAuC
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 17, 2020
“I don’t get it, but we’ll move on with our lives,” de Blasio said. “The gyms are all closed now.”