Eric Adams' health scare was prompted by a colonoscopy
The recent revelations prompted a challenge from a political opponent regarding the line of succession.
TroibNews 
**NEW YORK** — Mayor Eric Adams finally revealed details about his ongoing health issues on Wednesday, sharing with the press — and the politician who might temporarily succeed him — that he had been experiencing weeks of abdominal pain, undergoing extensive testing, and having a colonoscopy.
In light of this information, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams indicated he is exploring the possibility of suing the mayor for not informing him about the period when Adams was under anesthesia for the colonoscopy.
“We’re looking at all of our options,” Williams stated during a quick virtual press conference, addressing the question of potential legal action against Adams.
Earlier the same day, the typically private mayor surprisingly chose to field questions that he and his team had previously sidestepped concerning his health scare — a scare initially disclosed in a series of social media posts late Sunday night that raised more questions than answers.
Williams, a far-left politician who often clashes with the centrist Adams, contends that his succession rights under the City Charter are fundamental. According to the Charter, the public advocate is to assume “the powers and duties of the office” if the mayor is temporarily unable to fulfill his duties due to illness or absence from the city.
In contrast, the mayor signed an executive order last September that aligned with practices of previous mayors dating back to Rudy Giuliani's tenure. This order was designed to bypass the charter and assign powers to his first deputy mayor. If Williams proceeds with legal action, it would involve contesting this executive order.
“It’s not about ‘are we handing the city over to someone for an hour,’” Williams remarked. “It’s about communicating with the government partners. … It is clear by the Charter, God forbid something happens, our office is to be a part of that.”
Adams underwent anesthesia for his colonoscopy on January 3, according to spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus, who informed reporters that the procedure lasted approximately 45 minutes and was not publicly revealed for a month. On that day, the mayor had scheduled a morning staff meeting and a media event in the afternoon.
Adams’ recent health issues have brought focus to the often-technical matter of continuity of government. An undisclosed illness kept the mayor out of the public eye for a week, prompting the City Hall press office to issue limited information. During a scheduled press conference, Adams provided clarity, mentioning that his doctor requested a battery of tests after he reported “feeling real pain in my side.”
According to Mamelak Altus, Adams had a limited public agenda last week while undergoing tests, which included bloodwork, a gut bacteria examination, and an MRI.
“To some people’s dismay, I’m going to be around for a long time,” Adams declared Wednesday. “All the tests came out negative. They want me to do some follow-ups, but I feel good.”
Williams, however, expressed concern.
“There is a crisis of confidence in our city government and how our mayor is managing the city,” he stated, “and these kinds of things add to that crisis of confidence.”
As stipulated in the charter, Williams would assume the role of acting mayor if Adams were to be removed from office. Following Adams’ indictment on corruption charges in September, Williams has consistently asserted his readiness to step in as acting mayor.
Mamelak Altus maintained that there was no obligation to inform Williams because the executive order supersedes the charter. “I did not violate the charter,” she noted. “Anybody who had new responsibilities was informed.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
In light of this information, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams indicated he is exploring the possibility of suing the mayor for not informing him about the period when Adams was under anesthesia for the colonoscopy.
“We’re looking at all of our options,” Williams stated during a quick virtual press conference, addressing the question of potential legal action against Adams.
Earlier the same day, the typically private mayor surprisingly chose to field questions that he and his team had previously sidestepped concerning his health scare — a scare initially disclosed in a series of social media posts late Sunday night that raised more questions than answers.
Williams, a far-left politician who often clashes with the centrist Adams, contends that his succession rights under the City Charter are fundamental. According to the Charter, the public advocate is to assume “the powers and duties of the office” if the mayor is temporarily unable to fulfill his duties due to illness or absence from the city.
In contrast, the mayor signed an executive order last September that aligned with practices of previous mayors dating back to Rudy Giuliani's tenure. This order was designed to bypass the charter and assign powers to his first deputy mayor. If Williams proceeds with legal action, it would involve contesting this executive order.
“It’s not about ‘are we handing the city over to someone for an hour,’” Williams remarked. “It’s about communicating with the government partners. … It is clear by the Charter, God forbid something happens, our office is to be a part of that.”
Adams underwent anesthesia for his colonoscopy on January 3, according to spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus, who informed reporters that the procedure lasted approximately 45 minutes and was not publicly revealed for a month. On that day, the mayor had scheduled a morning staff meeting and a media event in the afternoon.
Adams’ recent health issues have brought focus to the often-technical matter of continuity of government. An undisclosed illness kept the mayor out of the public eye for a week, prompting the City Hall press office to issue limited information. During a scheduled press conference, Adams provided clarity, mentioning that his doctor requested a battery of tests after he reported “feeling real pain in my side.”
According to Mamelak Altus, Adams had a limited public agenda last week while undergoing tests, which included bloodwork, a gut bacteria examination, and an MRI.
“To some people’s dismay, I’m going to be around for a long time,” Adams declared Wednesday. “All the tests came out negative. They want me to do some follow-ups, but I feel good.”
Williams, however, expressed concern.
“There is a crisis of confidence in our city government and how our mayor is managing the city,” he stated, “and these kinds of things add to that crisis of confidence.”
As stipulated in the charter, Williams would assume the role of acting mayor if Adams were to be removed from office. Following Adams’ indictment on corruption charges in September, Williams has consistently asserted his readiness to step in as acting mayor.
Mamelak Altus maintained that there was no obligation to inform Williams because the executive order supersedes the charter. “I did not violate the charter,” she noted. “Anybody who had new responsibilities was informed.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
