Mayor Eric Adams batted away criticism over his hiring practices Friday, a day after reports surfaced that he had tapped a longtime friend, former NYPD inspector and current casino executive to join his administration as a public safety advisor.

Timothy Pearson, who currently receives a pension from the city, joined the Adams administration on May 31, while also retaining his position as a vice president of security at Resorts World New York City’s casino in Queens, according to a report in the New York Times. 

The casino is currently in the midst of seeking approval to expand its footprint in the borough. It would need the city’s approval of its bid to do so.

In order to continue receiving his NYPD pension, Pearson draws his city salary from the New York City Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit funded by the city, which plays a critical role in deciding whether to approve the casino’s bid, the Times reported.

Some have criticized the hire as a clear conflict of interest, though when appearing on “Mornings On 1” Friday, Adams brushed off the scrutiny.

“When someone says that, ‘Well, he hired someone that he knew,’ I mean what is wrong with that?” Adams told NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan. “[Pearson’s] knowledge and experience during a time when we’re fighting to make sure our city is safe, am I supposed to succumb to those who are looking at hires – and they’re not saying he’s unqualified.”

It’s not the first time Adams has come under fire for his hiring practices. The mayor in January defended the controversial move of hiring his brother to be in charge of his security detail, a six-figure salary position. By the end of the month, Adams instead appointed his brother to a senior adviser role and pays him $1 a year.

Earlier this week, WNBC broke the story that Adams' Department of Social Services Commissioner, Gary Jenkins, fired a spokeswoman who pushed back against an alleged cover-up of department violations.

Adams defended Jenkins decision and made clear that it had nothing to do with a cover up.

“Well our commissioners have a certain number of staffers that serve at the pleasure of the commissioners and I respect commissioner Jenkins' decision on who he wants to serve him,” said Adams during an interview Friday on WCBS 880. “And they were not fired because of their communication and we should be clear on that. I believe whatever reason Commmissioner Jenkins used and shared with me is a private, personal conversation between the two and I’m not going to go into that.”