Mayor Adams’ workplace confirmed Tuesday that he a couple of decade in the past dated Jasmine Ray, a lady he would later appoint to the newly-created function of “sports czar” at Metropolis Corridor and who’s poised to launch a e-book concerning the “hidden relationship” she alleges to have had with the mayor.
In mild of the brand new information about their romantic relationship, Ray’s appointment by Adams to the newly-formed Metropolis Corridor place in late 2022 is drawing condemnation from a authorities watchdog.
The affirmation from Adams’ group comes after Ray — whose formal title has been director of sports activities, wellness and recreation — introduced on social media late Monday she’s self-publishing the e-book this week. A metropolis official confirmed Ray resigned from her put up on Friday — simply two days earlier than the mayor introduced he’s abandoning his reelection bid.
“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 an outline of her e-book, “Political Humanity,” posted on her web site.
“Their hidden relationship — marked by intimacy, sacrifice, and betrayal — mirrors the larger struggles of politics itself: the tension between personal humanity and public expectation.”
The e-book cowl for “Political Humanity,” by Jasmine Ray.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kayla Mamelak, Adams’ spokeswoman, mentioned the mayor and Ray had a relationship relationship roughly a decade in the past and that they haven’t had any romantic engagements since they each began working at Metropolis Corridor.
Adams, 65, isn’t married, however has for many years thought of Tracey Collins, a former senior Division of Training official, his home associate. Mamelak mentioned Collins was conscious of Adams’ relationship with Ray, 41.
Ray’s publicist declined to answer Mamelak’s feedback. Ray’s e-book is meant to return out Saturday.
In her function, Ray has been pulling a $161,400 base wage since being appointed by Adams in November 2022.
In an announcement asserting her rent, Adams mentioned Ray “will bring not only a deep passion” to Metropolis Corridor, however “also a wealth of experience to our team.”
“I’m proud to have [her] join our administration,” his assertion mentioned.
Mayor Eric Adams.(Barry Williams / New York Every day Information)
Earlier than becoming a member of Metropolis Corridor, Ray ran the USA Wallball Affiliation, a neighborhood nonprofit.
John Kaehny, a veteran authorities watchdog who runs the Reinvent Albany group, known as Ray’s rent “nepotistic” and argued the mayor ought to have at a minimal consulted the town’s Conflicts of Curiosity Board earlier than appointing her.
“Elected officials are supposed to disclose familial relationships and relationships that create a potential conflict of interest so that COIB can offer advice,” he mentioned.
Mamelak argued the mayor didn’t must seek the advice of COIB for the reason that matter concerned a former girlfriend.
COIB declined to remark.
