This week’s question-and-answer briefing with Mayor Eric Adams was filled with numerous questions about the conduct of those in his administration. 

What You Need To Know

  • At his weekly question-and-answer briefing, the mayor faced some questions related to the conduct of those in his administration

  • Last week, a top police official got into a heated incident with a New York Daily News reporter. Meanwhile, senior aide Tim Pearson is facing multiple sexual harassment lawsuits and investigations

  • Mayor Eric Adams also responded to questions about a troubling draft audit of his 2021 mayoral campaign

Last week, Deputy NYPD Commissioner Kaz Daughtry reportedly got into a heated argument with the New York Daily News’ police bureau chief. Daughtry reportedly got into the face of the reporter and had to be restrained twice, though on Wednesday, the NYPD disputed this account.

Adams said it was the first time he was hearing of the incident. 

“We all have to respond appropriately and if he responded inappropriately, he will be communicated to about that," he said at the press conference. 

Adams, a former police captain, in the past has been defensive about any criticism lobbed at the police department. 

On Tuesday, he took a more reserved approach. 

“He’s responding to some of the most horrific conditions that you can imagine a person to experience. And he has to have the level of professionalism that comes with that," Adams said. "I tell the team all the time we’re all under a lot of stress, but we have to maintain a steady hand because people are watching us.” 

The NYPD put out its own statement Tuesday on social media, claiming the Daily News reporter writes “hit pieces” on members of police brass and that he is “bias” in his reporting. 

The Daily News' Union put out a statement asking Daughtry to apologize and called for a formal review of the police official's conduct.

Separately, Adams dodged a question regarding his embattled senior aide, Tim Pearson. Pearson is facing multiple sexual harassment lawsuits and investigations. 

“That’s under review. And I don’t want to do anything to interfere with the review and let that review take its course and I respect the process," he said.

The mayor on Tuesday also faced more pointed questions about a troubling draft audit of his 2021 mayoral campaign. 

A city watchdog flagged the campaign for failing to document millions in expenses. 

“Each item on the [City Financial Board’s] report, we have to respond to and that becomes public. I don’t know the specific car issue you’re talking about. That’s going to be part of our public response,” Adams said.  

Adams, however, acknowledged in the wake of the audit of his campaign that some changes may be needed.

“Not only do you address the problem, but whatever you can learn from it, you learn from it," he said. 

Adams' campaign has some time to respond to the report before potentially facing some stiff fines.