Cash Tip Incident Involving NYC Mayor’s Advisor
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top advisor, Winnie Greco, found herself in a rather awkward position recently. She seemed to struggle when explaining why she handed a bag filled with cash tips to reporter Katie Honan.
According to reports, Greco had arranged to meet Honan near Adams’ campaign office and suggested they go to a nearby Whole Foods. It was there that she handed Honan an open bag with the tips tucked inside.
“In Chinese culture, money is given to others with gestures of friendship and gratitude.”
Greco reportedly thought Honan would simply accept the bag. However, upon opening it later, Honan discovered a red envelope containing over $100 in cash. She then reached out to Greco, informing her that she couldn’t accept the money and tried to arrange its return.
Later, Greco issued a public apology, claiming her actions stemmed from a cultural misunderstanding. “I’m going to make a mistake,” she said, clearly flustered. “Sorry. It’s about culture. I don’t know. I feel very bad right now. Sorry.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Adams is currently facing a tough reelection campaign. He’s opted to run as an independent, rather than within the Democratic primary. Competing against other notable candidates, including socialist Zoran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo, recent polls indicate that Adams is trailing behind Curtis Slawa, a Republican radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels.
Greco’s later communications with media outlets involved her requesting they reach out to her attorney, Stephen Brill. She expressed concern over the fallout of the incident, saying, “Can you forget this? I’m just trying to be a good person. I just wanted to be her friend.”
Brill defended Greco, stating that her intentions were innocent and were indeed rooted in cultural norms. “You can see that this looks strange,” he admitted, but he insisted that the exchange was not nefarious.
The NYC Investigation Bureau has been alerted about the incident involving Greco and Honan, and Adams’ spokesperson Todd Shapiro voiced his surprise. He stated, “Winnie Greco does not hold a position and is suspended from all volunteer campaign-related activities.” He emphasized the importance of ethical standards in public service.
This isn’t the first time controversy has touched Adams’ administration; the FBI had previously raided Greco’s residence, tied to allegations of using her government position for personal gain.
